The Racing 92 centre is one of two changes to Fabian Galthie’s side as Gael Fickou, who occupied the number 12 role against the Italians in Vakatawas absense, moves across to the wing to replace the injured Vincent Rattez.
There is a host of changes on the bench, notably in the forwards, as Peato Mauvaka, Jefferson Poirot, Boris Palu and Cameron Woki all drop out of the side. They are replaced by Camille Chat, Jean-Baptiste Gros, Dylan Cretin and Thomas Ramos.
It will be the first meeting between the two sides since Wales dumped France out of last years World Cup, after a 20-19 victory in the quarter-finals. France will be looking to continue their unbeaten start to the campaign, whilst a win for Wales would see them move level on points with Les Bleus.
France: Bouthier; Thomas, Vakatawa, Vincent, Fickou; Ntamack, Dupont; Baille, Marchand, Haouas, Le Roux, Willemse, Cros, Ollivon (C), Alldritt.
Replacements: Chat, Gros, Bamba, Taofifenua, Cretin, Serin, Jalibert, Ramos.
