France full-back Maxime Medard has been ruled out of Saturday's clash with England, while Clement Poitrenaud has taken his place.
Full-back out with hamstring injury, Poitrenaud to start for France
France full-back Maxime Medard has been ruled out of Saturday's crucial RBS Six Nations encounter with England due to a hamstring injury.
The 24-year-old Toulouse player, who picked up the problem in training, had earlier stated that he was "99 per cent" confident he would be fit for the contest at Twickenham.
But Medard, a try-scorer in each of France's opening two matches in the competition, has lost his race for fitness and his place in the starting XV has been taken by Clement Poitrenaud.
"Maxime is suffering from discomfort in the hamstring of his left leg. The doctor preferred not to take risks," France press officer Lionel Rossigneux said.
"Clement Poitrenaud will start at full-back and Alexis Palisson has been called up into the group of 23 (on the bench)."
Medard, who was switched from the wing to full-back for the match, had said that he expected to be given the all-clear after a test on Thursday.
He told
www.lequipe.fr: "It's getting better. Even if there is still a little discomfort.
"I had another MRI scan this morning. But there is nothing in particular."
Medard, who suffered his injury on Monday, added: "I felt it pull. I give myself a 99 per cent chance of playing."
