Galthie swings the axe on Penaud and Jalibert as French look to get back on track in Rome

The decision came after Les Tricolores made sloppy handling errors and missed tackles in a 26-25 loss at Twickenham two weeks ago as Galthie also opts for a Springboks-style 7-1 split on the bench

DOWN AND OUT: France’s Matthieu Jalibert endured a tough time against England. Pic: INPHO/Andrew Fosker

Backs Damian Penaud and Matthieu Jalibert were axed from France’s team to play Italy on Sunday in the Six Nations, paying the price for poor performances against England.

The decision by coach Fabien Galthié on Friday came after Les Tricolores made sloppy handling errors and missed tackles in a 26-25 loss at Twickenham two weeks ago. France dominated lengthy passages of play but failed to put away an England side that won with a converted try at the death.

It is another blow for Jalibert, who was recalled to the side by Galthié after walking out on the the squad in mid-November because he wasn’t picked for a match against New Zealand.

With Romain Ntamatck still suspended following his reckless red card in the 43-0 hammering of Wales three weeks ago, fullback Thomas Ramos was moved to flyhalf alongside captain and scrumhalf Antoine Dupont for the clash at Rome’s Stadio Olimpico.

Penaud was the pre-tournament favorite to be the leading try-scorer but missed the Wales win because of a toe injury. He’s been replaced by four-cap winger Théo Attissogbe, while Léo Barré starts at fullback for his seventh cap. Galthie has also taken a leaf out of the world champion Springboks' book by going with a 7-1 split on the bench, which leaves only scrumhalf Maxime Lucu covering the back line.

"It's tactical and linked to a very special opponent," Galthie said of the tactic. "We decided to try a strategy to be ready in the key sectors in which Italy are extremely good."

The host nation, meanwhile, have opted for just two changes to the team that beat Wales in week two. Simone Gesi comes into the side to replace the injured Monty Ioane on the wing while Gianmarco Lucchesi comes in at hooker for Giacomo Nicotera, who drops to the bench.

France and Italy drew 13-13 in Lille last year after the visitors' Paolo Garbisi hit a post with a last-minute penalty. France had won the previous 14 meetings in a row, their only two Six Nations defeats by Italy coming in 2011 and 2013 in Rome.

Wires