Paul Willemse has returned to the France starting lineup in one of six changes for Saturday’s match against Italy in Rome.

Willemse, who played his side’s last three Tests from the bench after making his debut in the first round against Wales, replaces Sébastien Vahaamahina, who has been left out of the match 23.

There are a further three changes to the pack as Etienne Falgoux replaces Jefferson Poirot at loosehead prop, while Gregory Alldritt and Yacouba Camara come into the loose trio.

In the backline, Maxime Medard comes in at fullback for Thomas Ramos and Wesley Fofana replaces Gaël Fickou in midfield.

France – 15 Maxime Medard, 14 Damian Penaud, 13 Mathieu Bastareaud, 12 Wesley Fofana, 11 Yoann Huget, 10 Romain Ntamack, 9 Antoine Dupont, 8 Louis Picamoles, 7 Yacouba Camara, 6 Gregory Alldritt, 5 Paul Willemse, 4 Félix Lambey, 3 Demba Bamba, 2 Guilhem Guirado (c), 1 Etienne Falgoux.
Subs: 16 Camille Chat, 17 Dany Priso, 18  Dorian Aldegheri, 19 Paul Gabrillagues, 20 Arthur Iturria, 21 Baptiste Serin, 22 Camille Lopez, 23 Thomas Ramos.

Photo: Dave Winter/Getty Images