On the wings Benjamin Fall and Wesley Fofana start in the absence of Vincent Clerc and Saint-Andre, who has also been buoyed by the return to international rugby of Thierry Dusautoir, believes he has the right balance in his back line.

“Even if [Yoann Huget] plays on the wing for Toulouse, of his 11 starts in the Top 14, he’s been at full-back six times,” said Saint-Andre, who has selected Maxime Mermoz and Florian Fritz in the centres.

“Benjamin Fall was the 24th man in November. When there was the doubt about Vincent Clerc we called him.

“He was on the tour to Argentina. In November he spent the most time with us, he knows the systems the best.

“He’s very good under the high ball and one on one. We will need his strength and power. And he can play at full-back so offers another option there.”