• Home
  • Rugby
  • Noves Makes Major Changes For Wales And Seeks Maxime Impact

Noves Makes Major Changes for Wales And Seeks Maxime Impact

Six Nations promo

Six Nations promo

Maxime Machenaud will start at scrum-half for France against Wales in round three of the Six Nations in Cardiff on Friday night. In all, coach Guy Noves has made five changes to the team that struggled to overcome Ireland.

Maxime Machenaud will start at scrum-half for France against Wales in round three of the Six Nations in Cardiff on Friday night.

In all, coach Guy Noves has made five changes to the team that struggled to overcome Ireland.

Machenaud replaces Sebastien Bezy, who started Les Bleus’ first two matches against Italy and Ireland.

He will pair up with fly-half Jules Plisson who will start for the third time in a row with Francois Trinh-Duc, back after an injury lay-off, on the bench.

Djibril Camara has been handed his first cap in place of injured winger Teddy Thomas.

Antoine Burban will start at flanker in place of Yacouba Camara while Paul Jedrasiak takes Yoann Maestri’s place in the second row.

Rabah Slimani starts at prop with Uini Atonio moving to the bench.

 

France team to face Wales:
15. Maxime Médard (Toulouse)
14. Djibril Camara (Stade Français)
13. Maxime Mermoz (Toulon)
12. Jonathan Danty (Stade Français)
11. Virimi Vakatawa (FFR)
10. Jules Plisson (Stade Français)
9. Maxime Machenaud (Racing 92)

1. Jefferson Poirot (Bordeaux-Bègles)
2. Guilhem Guirado (Toulon)
3. Rabah Slimani (Stade Français)
4. Paul Jedrasiak (Clermont)
5. Alexandre Flanquart (Stade Français)
6. Wenceslas Lauret (Racing 92)
7. Antoine Burban (Stade Français)
8. Damien Chouly (Clermont)

Replacements:

16. Camille Chat (Racing 92)
17. Uini Atonio (La Rochelle)
18. Vincent Pelo (La Rochelle)
19. Yoann Maestri (Toulouse)
20. Loann Goujon (Bordeaux-Bègles)
21. Sébastien Bézy (Toulouse)
22. François Trinh-Duc (Montpellier)
23. Gaël Fickou (Toulouse)

Related News

Protesting Ospreys fans. Pic: Alamy

WRU Dealt Huge Blow Ahead of EGM With Damaging Ospreys Decision Revealed

The Welsh Rugby Union has been dealt a huge blow with the publication of damning details of their intention to close down the Ospreys.

Graham Thomas | 6 hours ago
Steve Tandy, the head coach of Wales looks on ahead of the game. Pic. Alamy

Wales are on the Road to Somewhere . . . But Steve Tandy Won’t Say it’s Victory

Wales head coach Steve Tandy believes his team are gradually evolving into an “outstanding” side — but not one ready yet to talk about winning matches.

Graham Thomas | 11 hours ago
Steve Tandy, the head coach of Wales. Pic. Alamy

Steve Tandy Demands Wales Show Best at Last

Steve Tandy has challenged his players to deliver their best performance of the Six Nations after keeping faith with the same Wales starting line-up for the final round match at home to Italy.

Paul Jones | Mar 12, 2026
Louis Rees-Zammit of Wales. Pic. Alamy

Louis Rees-Zammit Admits Wales Leaked Tries "For Fun"

Louis Rees-Zammit has admitted Wales made life far too difficult for themselves earlier in the Six Nations by conceding tries “for fun”.

Graham Thomas | Mar 10, 2026
Newport players celebrate their victory at Cardiff Arms Park. Pic: WRU

Ty and Mighty . . . Morris Salutes His Newport Cup Winners

Newport head coach Ty Morris has praised the determination and resilience of his side after they staged a dramatic comeback to lift the Super Rygbi Cymru Cup.

Paul Jones | Mar 10, 2026
Italy's players celebrate their victory over England. Pic. Alamy

Italy Coach Insists his Team Must Remain “Humble” and Not Take Victory for Granted Against Wales

Italy head coach Gonzalo Quesada insists his side must remain humble and cannot take victory over winless Wales for granted this weekend.

Paul Jones | Mar 09, 2026