France unchanged for England clash

France have named an unchanged squad to face England in the RBS 6 Nations at the Stade de France on Sunday.

Les Bleus recorded a 17-17 draw with Ireland in their rearranged game yesterday and coach Philippe Saint-Andre has resisted the temptation to make alterations.

“Bizarrely, it was only a draw but it was our best performance since the start of the Six Nations,” he said.

“Statistics showed that we dominated but did not win.”

The stalemate with the Irish left France in second place in the RBS 6 Nations table, a point behind Triple Crown winners Wales with two games remaining.

“We can still win the tournament,” added Saint-Andre. “And we will prepare for a big match against England.”

Scrum-half Dimitri Yachvili had been tipped for a recall but Saint-Andre opted to stick with Julien Dupoy.

The France squad to face England is:

Backs: C Poitrenaud, V Clerc, A Rougerie, W Fofana, M Mermoz, J Malzieu, F Trinh-Duc, L Beauxis, M Parra, J Dupuy.

Forwards: J Bonnaire, I Harinordoquy, L Picamoles, T Dusautoir, L Nallet, Y Maestri, P Pape, D Attoub, V Debaty, N Mas, J Poux, D Szarzewski, W Servat.