Team News: France drop Mathieu Bastareaud to bench for Six Nations clash against Wales

France coach Philippe Saint-Andre has dropped centre Mathieu Bastareaud to the bench for Saturday's Six Nations match against Wales in Paris.

The 26-year-old is one of five changes made to the team that suffered a 18-11 defeat to Ireland on February 14.

Remy Lamerat has taken Bastareaud's place, while Romain Taofifenua has replaced Pascal Pape after the lock was hit with a 10-week ban for kneeing Ireland's Jamie Heaslip.

Scott Spedding has been replaced with Brice Dulin and Sofiane Guitone has come into the side on the wing, while Morgan Parra will take his place at scrum-half.

France team to play Wales: Brice Dulin, Yoann Huget, Remi Lamerat, Wesley Fofana, Sofiane Guitoune; Camille Lopez, Morgan Parra, Eddy Ben Arous, Guilhem Guirado, Rabah Slimani, Romain Taofifenua, Yoann Maestri, Thierry Dusautoir, Bernard Le Roux, Damien Chouly

Replacements: Benjamin Kayser, Vincent Debaty, Uini Atonio, Jocelino Suta, Loann Goujon, Sebastian Tillous-Borde, Remi Tales, Mathieu Bastareaud