Saint-Andre has reacted to the Italian loss by restoring Thierry Dusautoir as skipper for the clash with Wales in place of the injured Pascal Pape.

And its commitment, passion and bravery the French boss is calling for as he looks to get his side’s championship charge back on track.   

“We will need to show that we are real fighters on Saturday against the Welsh, who will also have the bit between their teeth (following the 30-22 loss to Ireland in Cardiff)," he said.

"We will need to be really up for it, maybe even have some hate in our hearts. That is also the mark of a good team.

“We have not lost the tournament. Of course we’ve lost the Grand Slam but we know that this competition is rough, atypical and difficult.

“To work with this group and refine the team’s rhythm for this short week, we have not made any changes except for the injury to Pascal Pape.

“I hope this will bring us better cohesion to beat Wales on Saturday at the Stade de France and that there will be a greater depth.”