Castaignede raring to go

Thomas Castaignede admits it has been hard watching France endure a stuttering start to their Six Nations campaign as he prepares to make his tournament bow against Italy on Saturday.

The Saracens star was forced to miss Les Bleus' opening two encounters after aggravating a thigh injury, but is one of three changes from the side that almost blew a 43-3 lead against Ireland a fortnight ago before hanging on for a 43-31 win.