Marcoussis, France--South African born scrum-half Rory Kockott will make his first start for France in their Six Nations opener against Scotland on Saturday in Paris, coach Philippe Saint-Andre announced Wednesday.
After three substitute appearances for Les Bleus during the November internationals, the 28-year-old Castres half-back will line-up alongside Camille Lopez, who starts at fly-half.
It will be the 14th different starting half-back pairing aligned by Saint-Andre since taking over the France reins three years ago -- in November, Toulon scrum-half Sebastien Tillous-Borde started all three tests but was suffering from a knee injury in the build up to the Six Nations.
"It's logical (to pick Kockott) given our organisation in November," said Saint-Andre.
"Rory... has been able to work on his combination with Camille Lopez these last two weeks (while Tillous-Borde was injured)."
Saint-Andre added that the former Sharks and Lions player was "a competitor by spirit who is very good in contact."
Lopez, who moved from relegated Perpignan to giants Clermont at the start of this season, stamped his authority on the No.10 jersey with some commanding performances in the autumn. It means Kockott's half-back partner at Castres, Remi Tales, who was first choice in last season's Six Nations, starts on the bench.
Clermont scrum-half Morgan Parra is recalled to the bench having missed the November internationals due to a shoulder injury.
Scott Spedding, another South African born player who only made his France debut in November, continues at full-back while Stade Francais prop Rabah Slimani comes in at tight-head, with veteran Nicolas Mas not even making the bench.
The 34-year-old Montpellier player, who has donned the France shirt 76 times was even overlooked in favour of Uini Atonio, who starts among the replacements.
"Nicolas is an experienced player who's important for France," said Saint-Andre.
"With Pascal Pape and Thierry Dusautoir, they're the three who ensure our morale.
"I had a conversation with him, he understands. He's a real competitor.
"We know his experience, his force of character, he won't just give up."
Saint-Andre added: "With what Rabah has shown at Stade Francais, with his movement and reactivity, it's only normal that he starts."
Barrel-chested back Mathieu Bastareaud comes in at outside centre in place of the injured Alexandre Dumoulin, while La Rochelle flanker Loann Goujon could make his debut if he comes off the bench.
With young wing Teddy Thomas -- who has four tries in his two appearances for Les Bleus -- coming back into the side after being dropped from France's final November test -- am 18-13 defeat to Argentina -- for disciplinary reasons.
It means that 12 of the players who started the 29-26 victory over Australia a week earlier -- Saint-Andre rung the changes for the final autumn test -- are in the XV against Scotland.
Team (15-1):
Scott Spedding; Yoann Huget, Mathieu Bastareaud, Wesley Fofana, Teddy Thomas; Camille Lopez, Rory Kockott; Damien Chouly; Bernard Le Roux, Thierry Dusautoir (capt); Yoann Maestri, Pascal Pape; Rabah Slimani, Guilhem Guirado, Alexandre Menini
Replacements: Benjamin Kayser, Uini Atonio, Eddy Ben Arous, Romain Taofifenua, Loann Goujon, Morgan Parra, Remi Tales, Remi Lamerat
AFP
