Magne dropped by France

France have dropped experienced flanker Olivier Magne to the bench for Sunday’s RBS 6 Nations clash with Wales in Cardiff.

He is replaced in the starting XV by Biarritz number eight Thomas Lievremont as France go in search of their third successive win in this season’s tournament.

Lievremont’s inclusion means Imanol Harinordoquy, man of the match when France beat Italy in Paris last month, moves to flanker.

France team manager Jo Maso explained the decision: “The arrival of Lievremont in the starting line-up is a logical one, we rely on the strong men of the moment and Lievremont is one of them.

“We spoke with Charlie (Magne’s nickname) and he understood why he starts on the bench, he is used to the turnover with his club anyway.”

The only other change to the side that played Italy is the expected return of fly-half Frederic Michalak in place of youngster Julien Peyrelongue.

France team to play Wales in RBS 6 nations game in Cardiff on Sunday:

N Brusque (Biarritz); V Clerc, Y Jauzion (both Toulouse), D Traille (Pau), C Dominici (Stade Francais); F Michalak (Toulouse), J-B Elissalde (Toulouse); S Marconnet (Stade Francais), W Servat (Toulouse), P De Villiers (Stade Francais), F Pelous (Toulouse), P Pape (Bourgoin), S Betsen (Biarritz), T Lievremont (Biarritz), I Harinordoquy (Pau).