The defending champions won their opening two matches against Scotland and England but were hardly convincing in either game, lacking the pace, style and thrilling ball-handling skills that fans have become accustomed to from French teams.

Now Laharrague, who is one of four changes made by coach Bernard Laporte for the Welsh game, has taken it upon himself to bring the spark back to Les Bleus.

I am here to boost the team, spice up the game and add a little bit of extravagance to the match, the 26-year-old said.

''I was told to relax and play my game the way I usually do.

''France have grabbed two victories in the tournament which is ideal for me. I will do my best.''

Les Bleus were reluctant to take too many risks in the games against the Scots and English, where they trailed for long periods in both matches before snatching wins late on.

And Laharrague believes France must put the fear of failure aside and break off the shackles of conservatism that have plagued their opening two games.

''We must try things, you don't get anything if you don't,'' added Laharrague.

''Modern rugby leaves a lot of space for improvisation and spontaneity.

''I am capable of doing crazy things because that's what I do with my club.

''It's going to be hard to be creative with the Welsh defence but that will be my role, to find the right solutions.

''When you try, you make mistakes, so the key is to make as few mistakes as possible.''

Team manager Jo Maso has praised the qualities of Laharrague and insists the coaching staff won't restrict his licence to thrill.

''We know he can be a little bit crazy in the way he plays at times and we are expecting him to bring more pace and movement into our game,'' said Maso.

''We also want him to be as natural with us as he is with Brive. And if he makes mistakes we will not blame him.''

The other three changes to the starting XV concern Stade Toulouse's Yannick Jauzion, who will replace out-of-form Brian Liebenberg and will be paired in centre with Damien Traille.

Winger Aurelien Rougerie will be back after shaking off his facial injury picked up against Scotland while Beziers' Yannick Nyanga will start in the back row as a replacement for Sebastien Chabal, sidelined after disappointing performances.