France make two changes as Lopez misses out

France coach Philippe Saint-Andre has made two changes to his starting line-up for Saturday's RBS Six Nations showdown against England with Jules Plisson and Vincent Debaty set to start.

Stade Francais outhalf Plisson comes in for the injured Camille Lopez, who sustained a badly bruised knee during Sunday's 29-0 triumph over Italy, while loosehead prop Eddy Ben Arous has also been ruled out for the match at Twickenham as Vincent makes a start.

Plisson, who impressed as he came off the bench and scored 10 points against Italy, broke his nose at the Stadio Olimpico but has been passed fit to take on leaders England.

Saint-Andre told www.lequipe.fr: “At Twickenham, I need players that are a hundred percent fit, and Camille was doubtful on Wednesday. Jules has a broken nose but he is determined to play. He’s okay for Saturday.”

FRANCE: Scott Spedding; Yoann Huget, Gael Fickou, Maxime Mermoz, Noa Nakaitaci; Jules Plisson, Sebastien Tillous-Borde; Vincent Debaty , Guilhem Guirado, Nicolas Mas; Alexandre Flanquart, Yoann Maestri; Thierry Dusautoir, Bernard Le Roux, Loann Goujon.

Replacements: Benjamin Kayser, Rabah Slimani, Uini Atonio, Romain Taofifenua, Damien Chouly, Rory Kockott, Remi Tales, Mathieu Bastareaud.