France keep changes to a minimum for third Test

A FEW tactical changes, as well as some injury enforced ones, have seen French coach Guy Noves not mix things up too much as they go in hunt of a win that would stop a series whitewash by the Springboks in Johannesburg.

Veteran Francois TrinhDuc is relegated to the bench as flyhalf from the first Test, Jules Plisson, starts alongside the exciting talent that is Baptiste Serin at scrumhalf.

Another returnee to the third Test is fullback Brice Dulin who comes in for Scott Spedding

Finally, there is a change at wing as Yoann Huget has not recovered from concussion symptoms and a bad cut in his mouth. He is replaced by Nans Ducuing. Ducuing came on early in Durban for Huget and according to the coach he impressed in his courageous attempt at a tackle on Coenie Oosthuizen on the tryline.

“His performance convinced me,” said Noves. “When a player stands in opposition to a 130-kilogram player (Oosthuizen), risking his health and the possibility of finishing in a wheelchair, I am not certain that one of us, including myself, would have tried to stop him. This state of mind pleased me.”

The pack remains the same as hulking No 8 Louis Picamoles has recovered from a knee injury that saw him off early in Durban.

Noves said he favoured continuity as Les Bleus hope for one last big performance to slow a rebuilding Springbok side.

“After the first two Tests, we were able to evaluate a little the state of the damage. Looking at the third Test, it will be interesting to see if the work of three to four weeks will bring something.

“It is also necessary to take account of the injured players,” he added. “Particularly Huget and prop Eddy Ben Arous.”