Eight changes for France for 2nd Boks Test

Jun 15, 2017 - 9:06 AM French coach Guy Noves has made eight changes, naming a markedly strengthened squad for Saturday's second rugby Test against South Africa in Durban.

Captain Guilhem Guirado returns with fellow front-rower Rabah Slimani after missing last weekend's defeat in Pretoria.

Romain Taofifenua takes lock Julien Le Devedec's place while Kevin Gourdon is in for flanker Loann Goujon.

In the back row, Francois Trinh Duc partners Baptiste Serin, who had come on as a substitute to score a try at Loftus Versfeld, in a new halfback pairing.

The 20-year-old Damian Penaud, after winning the French title earlier this month with Clermont Auvergne, is the only new cap replacing Henry Chavancy at centre.

South African-born Scott Spedding is the fullback for the match at King's Park Rugby Stadium, where he had played Super Rugby for the Sharks before moving to France in 2008.

Noves did not pick any of the seven players from Top 14 finalists Clermont Auvergne and Toulon for the first Test after they arrived late on tour.

South Africa won 37-14 in the opening encounter. The third and final Test is on June 24 at Ellis Park in Johannesburg.

FRANCE:

Scott Spedding, Yoann Huget, Damian Penaud, Gael Fickou, Virimi Vakatawa, Francois Trinh Duc, Baptiste Serin, Louis Picamoles, Kevin Gourdon, Yacouba Camara, Romain Taofifenua, Yoann Maestri, Rabah Slimani, Guilhem Guirado (capt), Jefferson Poirot.

Res: Clement Maynadier, Eddy Ben Arous, Uini Atonio, Julien le Devedec, Bernard le Roux, Antoine Dupont, Jean-Marc Doussain, Nans Ducuing.

Source: AAP