France v South Africa preview

Philippe Saint-André has named a similar side to the one that rattled the cage of New Zealand two weeks ago to take on South Africa on Saturday.
Maxime Medard, who started in the 26-19 defeat against the All Blacks, is the only casualty from that day as Sofiane Guitoune keeps his place on the wing after scoring on debut against Tonga. Yoann Huget will look to add to his two tries against the Pacific Islanders as he wins his 18th start on the right wing.
For the first time under the former Sale boss, France will have started the same half-back pairing for three consecutive tests with Clermont scrum-half Morgan Parra and Tops 14 Champions Castres fly-half Remi Tales.
Despite a new showing of consistency in selection the head coach of Les Bleus has shuffled the bench with the physicality of Mathieu Bastareaud an option in addition to prop Thomas Domingo, back row Yannick Nyanga and fly-half Frédéric Michalak.
Meanwhile, Coenie Oosthuizen will be making his first start for the Springboks after 13 appearances off the bench taking over at tighthead from the injured Frans Malherbe.
Oosthuizen is one of six changes to the starting XV that thumped Scotland 28-0 at Murrayfield on Sunday
Morné Steyn and Ruan Pienaar return to form an all-new half-back partnership while Tendai Mtawarira, Bismarck du Plessis line up next to Oosthuizen in the front row.
The last change sees the return of enforcer Eben Etzebeth at lock in the Test that will mark 100 years of internationals between France and South Africa.
South Africa's last away victory over France was in 1997 at the Parc des Princes.
“This is a great opportunity for Coenie and we believe he's ready to make the step up to a starting role in the team,” said Springbok head coach Heyneke Meyer.
“I'm also very happy for Lourens, who has been part of the squad for almost the entire season. He's waited patiently for an opportunity and what better way to make your debut than against France in Paris.”
“Gurthrö, Adriaan, Bakkies and Pat did very well last week against Scotland and will have an important role to play this week,” added Meyer.
“We have been quite fortunate with injuries this year and I'm very happy that we've managed to keep the continuity in selection. Most of the players have received ample game time and showed they have what it takes to perform at Test level. Our aim is now to keep on improving against France and hopefully end a very successful season on a high note.”
France: Brice Dulin; Yoann Huget, Florian Fritz, Wesley Fofana, Sofiane Guitoune; Rémi Talès, Morgan Parra; Yannick Forestier, Benjamin Kayser, Nicolas Mas; Pascal Papé, Yoann Maestri; Thierry Dusautoir (Capt.), Wenceslas Lauret, Damien Chouly.
Replacements: Dimitri Szarzewski, Thomas Domingo, Rabah Slimani, Sebastien Vahaamahina, Yannick Nyanga, Jean-Marc Doussain, Frédéric Michalak, Mathieu Bastareaud.
South Africa: Willie Le Roux; JP Pietersen, Jaque Fourie, Jean de Villiers (Capt.), Bryan Habana; Morné Steyn, Ruan Pienaar; Tendai Mtawarira, Bismarck du Plessis, Coenie Oosthuizen ; Eben Etzebeth, Flip van der Merwe; Francois Louw, Willem Alberts, Duane Vermeulen.
Replacements: Adriaan Strauss, Gurthrö Steenkamp, Lourens Adriaanse, Bakkies Botha, Pieter-Steph du Toit, Siya Kolisi, Jano Vermaak, Patrick Lambie.