Rugby:Wesley Fofana will earn his first cap for France when they take on Italy in their Six Nations opener. The 24-year-old will line up alongside Clermont Auvergne team-mate Aurelien Rougerie in midfield for coach Philippe Saint-Andre's first game in charge on Saturday at the Stade de France.

Francois Trinh-Duc takes over at outhalf from Morgan Parra who, after starting the World Cup final against New Zealand, drops to the bench.

Saint-Andre, who replaced Marc Lievremont at the helm shortly after Les Bleus lost to New Zealand in the World Cup final, expects Fofana to fit right in.

“He brings enthusiasm and freshness,” he explained. “We know his qualities, his speed. He’s a quick player. You have to start one day. I don’t want him to be under pressure. He must show his qualities and should enjoy himself, not be shy and show what he does for his club.”

Another uncapped player, Yoann Maestri, will sit on the bench alongside Imanol Harinordoquy, who surprisingly does not make the starting XV. The sight of Trinh-Duc alongside Dimitri Yachvili at half-back will please many France fans.

The 25-year-old came off the bench in the final in New Zealand after Lievremont chose to play Parra, usually a scrumhalf, ahead of him.

“Dimitri Yachvili and Francois Trinh-Duc finished the World Cup final and we thought it was good to start with this partnership,” said Saint-Andre.

France:M Medard (Toulouse); V Clerc (Toulouse), A Rougerie (Clermont Auvergne), W Fofana (Clermont Auvergne), J Malzieu (Clermont Auvergne); F Trinh-Duc (Montpellier), D Yachvili (Biarritz); V Debaty (Clermont Auvergne), W Servat (Toulouse), N Mas (Perpignan), P Pape (Stade Francais), L Nallet (Racing Metro), T Dusautoir (capt, Toulouse), J Bonnaire (Clermont Auvergne), L Picamoles (Toulouse). Replacements:D Szarzewski (Stade Francais), J-B Poux (Toulouse), Y Maestri (Toulouse), I Harinordoquy (Biarritz), M Parra (Clermont Auvergne), L Beauxis (Toulouse), M Mermoz (Perpignan).