Axelle Berthoumieu has been handed her first start in France colours as they prepare for their Women’s Six Nations closer against Italy on Sunday.
Last years’ Grand Slam champions’ hopes of retaining their title hang by a thread after a Round Two defeat to England left the Red Roses in pole position.
The Championships’ leaders have the chance to wrap things up when they play on Saturday night, but if they should flail against Scotland, France’s trip to Padua would give them the chance to sneak to the summit.
With that in mind, Annick Heyraud has elected to make just three changes to the side that beat Ireland 47-17 last time out.
Berthoumieu slots in at flanker in place of the suspended Romane Menager, with captain Gaelle Hermet shifting across to the back of the pack.
In front of them Lise Arricastre drops to the bench in favour of Maylis Traore at prop, while in the backs the one change sees Marie Saluzzo switch in for Yanna Rivoalen at scrum-half.
FRANCE: Trémoulière – Boujard, Yengo, Vernier, Jason, Bourdon, Saluzzo; Traore, Thomas, Joyeux, Ferer, Forlani, Berthoumieu, Diallo, Hermet (c)
REPLACEMENTS: Soloch, Arricastre, Ambonguilat, Pellegris, Gros, Coudert, Imart, M. Ménager
