France have named their side for Saturday's crunch RBS Six Nations clash with England at Twickenham with star centre Thomas Castaignede surprisingly omitted by coach Bernard Laporte. Outside centre Castaignede returned to action last November following two years out through injury, but he has been overlooked because of the tremendous recent form of Xavier Garbajosa.
Prop Christian Califano will return to the starting line-up in place of Pieter de Villiers, who wasn't considered after testing positive for cocaine and ecstasy. Fabien Galthie captains the side once more.
France XV to play England at Twickenham on Saturday:C Poitrenaud, A Rougerie, X Garbajosa, D Traille, V Clerc, G Merceron, F Galthie (capt), J Crenca, R Ibanez, C Califano, F Pelous, O Brouzet, S Betsen, O Magne, I Harinordoquy.
Replacements: J Rue, S Marconnet, D Auradou, S Chabal, D Yachvili, F Gelez, T Castaignede.
Filed by Shane Murray
