Fabien Galthié names 23-man squad to face Italy in Lille. Toulonnais Esteban Abadie makes his Six Nations debut.

Paul Boudehent promoted to holder of No. 6 jersey. Romain Taofifenua returns to the bench after recovering from an infected leg. Posolo Tuilagi starts in the second line in place of Grégory Alldritt, who is out with a thigh injury. The match takes place on the 3rd day of the Six Nations Tournament.