France have made eight changes to their starting XV for Saturday’s match against Japan in Nanterre.

In a complete backline overhaul, wing Teddy Thomas is the only one who retained his place following their 18-17 loss against the Springboks last Saturday.

Fullback Scott Spedding, wing Gabriel Lacroix, centres Damian Penaud and Henry Chavancy, and halfbacks Francois Trinh-Duc and Baptiste Serin are the new backline additions to the run-on side.

The pack is largely unchanged, but Romain Taofifenua starts at No 4 lock and Sekou Macalou will make his debut as the starting blindside flank.

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France – 15 Scott Spedding, 14 Gabriel Lacroix, 13 Damian Penaud, 12 Henry Chavancy, 11 Teddy Thomas, 10 Francois Trinh-Duc, 9 Baptiste Serin, 8 Louis Picamoles, 7 Sekou Macalou, 6 Judicaël Cancoriet, 5 Sébastien Vahaamahina, 4 Romain Taofifenua, 3 Rabah Slimani, 2 Guilhem Guirado (c), 1 Jefferson Poirot.
Subs: 16 Camille Chat, 17 Daniel Kotze, 18 Sebastien Taofifenua, 19 Paul Jedrasiak, 20 Fabien Sanconnie, 21 Antoine Dupont, 22 Mathieu Bastareaud, 23 Hugo Bonneval.

Photo: A. Mounic/L’Equipe