France make five changes for Wales clash

France coach Bernard Laporte has made several changes in the pack for the RBS 6 Nations Championship match against Wales at the Stade de France on Saturday.

Only three of the forwards who started in the 20-17 win over Ireland on February 11 have made it into Laporte's line-up for this weekend.

Nicolas Mas, who makes his bow in the tournament, and Olivier Milloud will be at prop, with Sylvain Marconnet dropping to the bench.

Biarritz's Jerome Thion is back in the second row to partner Lionel Nallet, while number eight Elvis Vermeulen starts his first game of the Six Nations and Julien Bonnaire returns at flanker, with Imanol Harinordoquy on the bench.

Laporte has kept faith with the back line that started against Ireland, meaning Aurelien Rougerie - who was recalled to the squad in place of Cedric Heymans - has to be content with a place among the replacements.

The half-back partnership of Pierre Mignoni and David Skrela gets another chance to shine.

France have won their opening two Six Nations matches, beating Italy 39-3 and then Ireland at Croke Park.