Scrum-half Rory Kockott will make his first start for France in their RBS 6 Nations opener against Scotland in Paris on Saturday.
The South African-born player, who earned three caps off the bench for Philippe Saint-Andre's men in the autumn internationals, comes in for the injured Sebastien Tillous-Borde.
Saint-Andre was quoted as saying by L'Equipe: "We know that Rory is a competitor at heart, very strong in the tackle, either offensively or defensively."
Les Bleus have made seven changes to the side that lost 18-13 to South Africa in Paris in November.
France team: S Spedding; Y Huget, M Bastareaud, W Fofana, T Thomas; C Lopez, R Kockott; D Chouly, T Dusautoir, B Le Roux; Y Maestri, P Pape; R Slimani, G Guirado, A Menini.
Replacements: B Kayser, U Atonio, E Ben Arous, R Taofifenua, L Goujon, M Parra, R Tales, R Lamerat.
