World player of the year Antoine Dupont has returned from his COVID absence to captain France vs Italy in his side's Six Nations opener this weekend.
Unfortunately his head coach, Fabien Galthie will miss the game due to a positive test, with his assistant Raphael Ibanez taking the reigns for this encounter.
France are among the favourites for this year's tournament and will be boosted by the return of talismanic scrum-half Dupont, who captains Les Bleus in the absence of captain Charles Ollivon, who has a long-term knee injury.
Italy meanwhile hand debuts to winger Tommaso Menoncello and number eight Toa Halafihi as they hope to claim their first vitory in the competition since beating Scotland 22-19 at Murrayfield in 2015.
How can I watch France vs Italy?
Jill Douglas will present live coverage from Stade de France for ITV, starting at 2:30pm.
When does the game kick off?
The match will kick off at 3pm.
What is the team news?
France: Jaminet; Penaud, Danty, Fickou, Villiere, Ntamack, Dupont (capt); Baille, Marchand, Atonio, Woki, Willense, Jelonch, Cretin, Alldritt.
Replacements: Mauvaka, Gros, Bamba, Taofifenua, Cros, Lucu, Moefana, Ramos.
Italy: Padovani; Menoncello, Brex, Zanon, Ioane; Garbisi, Varney; Rischetti, Lucchesi, Pasquali, Cannone, Ruzza, Negri, Lamaro, Halafihi.
Replacements: Faiva, Nemer, Zilocchi, Fuser, Pettinelli, Zuliani, Braley, Marin.
