Six Nations 2013: Dusautoir to captain France against Wales
Six Nations 2013: France's Philippe Saint-Andre names Thierry Dusautoir as captain for their Wales clash on Saturday
France coach Philippe Saint-Andre has restored the captaincy to Thierry Dusautoir for their Six Nations clash with Wales on Saturday.
Les Bleus return to Paris knowing their Grand Slam dreams are over following defeat in Italy, while a loss to Wales would all but end their title chances.
Robbed of captain Pascal Pape through a back injury, Saint-Andre has returned the armband to Dusautoir, who led France with distinction at the 2011 World Cup and last year’s Six Nations.
Lock Pape is replaced in the squad for this weekend by Toulon’s Jocelino Suta in the only change to the group defeated in Rome.
And after admitting to pouring over the footage of his side’s humbling at the hands of Italy, Saint-Andre has called for a response in Paris.
“We have looked back several times over the match, analysed and dissected the game and the players,” said Saint-Andre.
“Our team must rediscover their collective spirit, their enthusiasm and spontaneity.
“To work with this group and refine the team’s rhythm for this short week, we have not made any changes except for the injury to Pascal Pape.
“I hope this will bring us better cohesion to beat Wales on Saturday at the Stade de France and that there will be a greater fighting spirit.
“The tournament is far from over, our ambition is always there to produce our best in this high-level competition.”
