Six Nations: Yachvili returns as French drop five after England loss

French hopes of winning the tournament disappeared with the 24-22 loss to England at Stade de France on Sunday, a defeat that also exposed tactical flaws in Saint-Andre’s team. Saint-Andre changed his halves pairing for that game, replacing Morgan Parra and Francois Trinh-Duc with scrum-half Julien Dupuy and fly-half Lionel Beauxis, but the move backfired as France conceded two sloppy tries in the first half.

“We had problems organising our defence when we lost possession in attack. We also finished poorly when we had chances to score,” Saint-Andre said.”

Dupuy is one of five players dropped, although winger Vincent Clerc’s absence is due to a shoulder injury sustained against England. Veteran lock Lionel Nallet, centre Maxime Mermoz and left winger Julien Malzieu were also dropped.

“Julien Dupuy struggled with the rhythm of the match. He was tired after half an hour. That’s not possible at international level,” Saint-Andre said. “That’s not to say he won’t come back. Julien Malzieu played well in the tournament but had a dip against the English.” Julien Pierre replaces Nallet, while flanker Fulgence Ouedraogo comes in to strengthen the back row. Winger Alexis Palisson takes Malzieu’s spot, while centre Florian Fritz comes in for Mermoz.

France squad: Forwards: J Poux (Toulouse), N Mas (Perpignan), V Debaty (Clermont), D Attoub (Stade Francais), D Szarzewski (Stade Francais), W Servat (Toulouse), P Pape (Stade Francais), Y Maestri (Toulouse), J Pierre (Clermont), T Dusautoir (Toulouse, captain), F Ouedraogo (Montpellier), J Bonnaire (Clermont), I Harinordoquy (Biarritz), L Picamoles (Toulouse). Backs: M Parra (Clermont), D Yachvili (Biarritz), F Trinh-Duc (Montpellier), L Beauxis (Toulouse), W Fofana (Clermont), A Rougerie (Clermont), F Fritz (Toulouse), A Palisson (Toulon), J Buttin (Clermont), C Poitrenaud (Toulouse).