It was the only uncertainty that remained around the holders of the Vélodrome.
Absent from the two high-intensity sessions of the week to attend the birth of his child in La Rochelle, the three-quarter center Jonathan Danty figures well in the starting XV to face South Africa on Saturday evening in Marseille unveiled Thursday noon by French coach Fabien Galthié.
The latter, unsurprisingly, renewed all of the incumbent winners of the Australians on Saturday (30-29) to challenge the Springboks.
Facing the world champions, the Blues will still present themselves with Thomas Ramos in the role of back and striker, with their Toulouse hinge Dupont-Ntamack, a third line Jelonch-Alldritt-Ollivon or even a Flament-Woki association in the second line, lighter but also more mobile than its South African counterpart.
On the front line, confidence again restored to the Atonio-Marchand-Baille trio.
Change on the bench
The tenure of Jonathan Danty prevents Yoram Moefana from returning to his favorite position in the center.
The Bordelais remain on one wing, while Damian Penaud, savior of the Blues against the Wallabies, will be aligned on the other side of the attack.
Gaël Fickou, the boss of the defense, continues in the center.
The change comes from the bench, where the massive Romain Taofifenua is ready to enter during the match to bring mass to the second line.
Two novices make their first appearance in the 23: the left pillar of La Rochelle Reda Wardi, and the second line of Montpellier, Bastien Chalureau.
Parisian Sekou Macalou, who did not come on against Australia, is again among the substitutes.
The XV of France leaves Marcoussis Thursday to join Marseille where they will train Friday in the afternoon on the lawn of the Vélodrome.
The following evening, they will aim for a twelfth victory in a row, this time against the world champions.
A nation that the Blues have not beaten since 2009.
The team to face South Africa on Saturday in Marseille (9 p.m.)
Starting XV:
Ramos - Penaud, Danty, Fickou, Moefana - (o) Ntamack, (m) Dupont (cap.) - Jelonch, Alldritt, Ollivon - Flament, Woki - Atonio, Marchand, Baille.
Replacements:
Mauvaka, Falatea, Wardi, Taofifenua, Chalureau, Macalou, Lucu, Jalibert.