France make two changes

Marconnet: Misses Wales match

France have been forced to make two changes to their pack ahead of Friday's RBS Six Nations match against France in Cardiff, with Sylvain Marconnet and Fulgence Ouedraogo being replaced by Alexandre Lapandry and Clement Baiocco respectively.

Montpellier flanker Ouedraogo was forced to withdraw with a calf injury, meaning another appearance for Lapandry, who made his only previous international appearance against Samoa last November.

Meanwhile, Marconnet, who is suffering from a sore hamstring, has been replaced by uncapped Racing Metro prop Baiocco for the trip to the Millennium Stadium.

Despite their impressive start to this year's tournament, France have had their fair share of disruption, with coach Marc Lievremont forced to bring in new wingers after Aurelien Rougerie and Benjamin Fall were hurt in the opening win over Scotland.

Both their replacements, Vincent Clerc and Alexis Palisson, then went off with injuries during last Saturday's match against Ireland, although France's impressive 33-10 victory over last year's grand slam winners led Lievremont to hail their strength in depth.