La Rochelle captain Gregory Alldritt will lead France in the absence of Antoine Dupont, who will miss the Six Nations to join France’s Sevens programme as he targets the Paris Olympics.
No.8 Alldritt has been chosen ahead of former skipper Charles Ollivon.
Dupont’s replacement at No.9 will be either Maxime Lucu (Bordeaux) or the uncapped Nolann Le Garrec (Racing 92).
Fabien Galthie has named five other uncapped players – centre Nicolas Depoortere, flyhalf Antoine Gibert, flanker Esteban Abadie, plus locks Matthias Halagahu and Emmanuel Meafou.
FRANCE SQUAD
Forwards: Cyril Baille, Reda Ward...