Warburton burst onto the world stage with a series of sensational displays in New Zealand last year only to suffer the ignominy of a red card in the 18th minute of the semi-final clash with Les Bleus after a dangerous tackle on Vincent Clerc.

This weekend Warburton, the Wales captain, will be afforded the chance to right that wrong by leading his country to their third Grand Slam in eight years by defeating France at the Millennium Stadium.

And after recovering from a knee injury in time to make only his third start of the competition, Warburton is desperate to claim the RBS 6 Nations title in style.

"I remember watching it in '05 and '08, and as a kid that's what motivated me to play rugby," he said.

"When you watch those moments it's something you always want to take part in.

"Every time I trained when I was a teenager you want to play in games like this, so that's why I feel so lucky and privileged to be here.

"I can't wait for the game on the weekend, it's going to be the biggest game of my career and I can't wait for it, it can't come soon enough.

"People will be saying it's a revenge match but we have too many things to worry about other than a red card.

"The motivation for us will purely be to win the Grand Slam. If you try to make it personal then that's when you can start making mistakes."

Warburton's return means Justin Tipuric drops out of the Wales squad while on the bench Blues scrum-half Lloyd Williams has returned from the thigh injury which kept him out last weekend and replaces Rhys Webb.

Julien Bonnaire and William Servat make their final international appearances for France with David Attoub making his first international start in place of injured tighthead Nicola Mas.

Florian Fritz is handed his first start in nearly two years in the centre, with Wesley Fofana moving to the wing in the absence of Vincent Clerc and Dimitri Yachvili returning at scrum-half

On the other wing Toulon's Alexis Palisson will make his first appearance for France since the World Cup final as he replaces Julien Malzieu while Clermont back three player Jean-Marcellin Buttin could also make his French debut in Cardiff after being named on the bench.

"We no longer have anything to win, but we have the honour of the jersey and the pride of the France team," said Yachvili .

"When we come together as the France team, it's to win matches so the motivation is always there.

"Even if there's no longer any chance of winning the Six Nations, we must carry on and honour it as best we can in the magnificent Millennium Stadium. It's a temple for every rugby player.

"That semifinal is in the past. It's another thing for us. It always brews up a storm with the Welsh. It doesn't pose us any problems if they're seeking revenge: we're ready for a scrap."