Maxime Machenaud will start at scrum-half for France against Wales in round three of the Six Nations in Cardiff on Friday night.

In all, coach Guy Noves has made five changes to the team that struggled to overcome Ireland.

Machenaud replaces Sebastien Bezy, who started Les Bleus’ first two matches against Italy and Ireland.

He will pair up with fly-half Jules Plisson who will start for the third time in a row with Francois Trinh-Duc, back after an injury lay-off, on the bench.

Djibril Camara has been handed his first cap in place of injured winger Teddy Thomas.

Antoine Burban will start at flanker in place of Yacouba Camara while Paul Jedrasiak takes Yoann Maestri’s place in the second row.

Rabah Slimani starts at prop with Uini Atonio moving to the bench.

 

France team to face Wales:
15. Maxime Médard (Toulouse)
14. Djibril Camara (Stade Français)
13. Maxime Mermoz (Toulon)
12. Jonathan Danty (Stade Français)
11. Virimi Vakatawa (FFR)
10. Jules Plisson (Stade Français)
9. Maxime Machenaud (Racing 92)

1. Jefferson Poirot (Bordeaux-Bègles)
2. Guilhem Guirado (Toulon)
3. Rabah Slimani (Stade Français)
4. Paul Jedrasiak (Clermont)
5. Alexandre Flanquart (Stade Français)
6. Wenceslas Lauret (Racing 92)
7. Antoine Burban (Stade Français)
8. Damien Chouly (Clermont)

Replacements:
16. Camille Chat (Racing 92)
17. Uini Atonio (La Rochelle)
18. Vincent Pelo (La Rochelle)
19. Yoann Maestri (Toulouse)
20. Loann Goujon (Bordeaux-Bègles)
21. Sébastien Bézy (Toulouse)
22. François Trinh-Duc (Montpellier)
23. Gaël Fickou (Toulouse)