Maxime Lucu returns for France against Italy

France head coach Fabien Galthie has made two changes to the starting line up for the upcoming World Cup clash against Italy.

Skipper and scrum-half Antonie Dupont is still unavailable after undergoing a surgery with Maxime Lucu taking his spot in the starting line up.

Cyril Baille retains his place at loosehead after recovering from his injury while back row sees a change with Gregory Alldritt ccoming into the starting line-up in place of Francois Cros.

The inclusion of Alldritt sees Anthony Jelonch moving from number eight to blindside while Charles Ollivon starting at openside will take over the captaincy for the first time since November 2022 in the absence of Dupont.

France are currently at the top of Pool A with 13 points from three matches and a victory against Italy will ensure their berth in the quarter-finals as the group leaders.

France: 15 Thomas Ramos, 14 Damian Penaud, 13 Gael Fickou, 12 Jonathan Danty, 11 Louis Bielle-Biarrey, 10 Matthieu Jalibert, 9 Maxime Lucu, 8 Gregory Alldritt, 7 Charles Ollivon (c), 6 Anthony Jelonch, 5 Thibaud Flament, 4 Cameron Woki, 3 Uini Atonio, 2 Peato Mauvaka, 1 Cyril Baille

Reserves: 16 Pierre Bourgarit, 17 Reda Wardi, 18 Dorian Aldegheri, 19 Romain Taofifenua, 20 Francois Cros, 21 Baptiste Couilloud, 22 Yoram Moefana, 23 Melvyn Jaminet