France team v England: Talented playmaker makes dramatic return after Ntamack ban and November walkout as two-try star dropped for Le Crunch
France fly-half Matthieu Jalibert in action in the Autumn Nations Series and the person he replaces for the England game, Romain Ntamack.
Fabien Galthie has made two changes to the France side that defeated Wales in the opening round of the Six Nations last weekend.
Les Bleus, one of the pre-tournament title favourites, thrashed the Welsh 43-0 on Friday, but they have been strengthened by the return of world-class wing Damian Penaud.
It is perhaps harsh on youngster Theo Attissogbe, who was exceptional in Paris and touched down twice, but Penaud’s recovery from injury only increases the potency in the outside backs.
They did suffer a blow, however, through Romain Ntamack’s red card and subsequent suspension, and he has been replaced by Matthieu Jalibert at fly-half.
Jalibert’s November controversy
It is a remarkable turnaround for Jalibert, whose Test future was in doubt when he walked out on the squad during the Autumn Nations Series.
After being left out of the 23 for the All Blacks clash, the playmaker decided to return to his club, Bordeaux-Begles, instead of remaining as one of the five injury reserves.
He is now back in favour, though, and will combine with France superstar and captain Antoine Dupont in the decision-making slots against England.
Thomas Ramos, who took the number 10 jersey throughout November, is in his favoured position at full-back and combines with Penaud and Louis Bielle-Biarrey in the back three for Round Two of the Six Nations.
Yoram Moefana and Pierre-Louis Barassi continue at centre, while the pack remains unchanged.
There was a doubt over the fitness of flanker Paul Boudehent but he has recovered to take his place in the loose trio alongside Gregory Alldritt and Francois Cros.
In the front five, Thibaud Flament is still absent which means Alexandre Roumat once again deputises.
Roumat combined with Toulouse team-mate Emmanuel Meafou at lock, while Uini Atonio, Peato Mauvaka and Jean-Baptiste Gros complete the XV.
On the bench, Galthie has resisted the temptation to make changes, once again going for a 6-2 split. Reports were circulating that Maxime Lucu would replace Nolann Le Garrec, but the youngster has kept his position in the 23.
Le Garrec is joined among the replacements by Julian Marchand, Cyril Baille, Georges-Henri Colombe, Hugo Auradou, Mickael Guillard, Oscar Jegou and Emilien Gailleton.
France team to face England
France: 15 Thomas Ramos, 14 Damian Penaud, 13 Pierre-Louis Barassi, 12 Yoram Moefana, 11 Louis Bielle-Biarrey, 10 Matthieu Jalibert, 9 Antoine Dupont (c), 8 Grégory Alldritt, 7 Paul Boudehent, 6 Fran?ois Cros, 5 Emmanuel Meafou, 4 Alexandre Roumat, 3 Uini Atonio, 2 Peato Mauvaka, 1 Jean-Baptiste Gros
Replacements: 16 Julien Marchand, 17 Cyril Baille, 18 Georges-Henri Colombe, 19 Hugo Auradou, 20 Micka?l Guillard, 21 Oscar Jegou, 22 Nolann Le Garrec, 23 ?milien Gailleton
Date: Saturday, February 8
Venue: Allianz Stadium, Twickenham
Kick-off: 16:45 GMT
Referee: Nika Amashukeli (Georgia)
Assistant referees: Andrea Piardi (Italy), Damian Schneider (Argentina)
TMO: Marius van der Westhuizen (South Africa)
