Head coach Fabian Galthie has selected the same starting XV which began their 24-17 victory over England in the Six Nations opener in February.
Last time Les Bleus faced Wales they were winners in Cardiff and will provide a stern test for Wayne Pivac’s side as both teams prepare to return to Test rugby after a long break.
“Since we were appointed and since the end of the original Six Nations period we haven’t stopped working or analysing. We’ve stayed in touch with the players,” Galthie said.
“We were totally satisfied by the training sessions yesterday.
“There are no problems here. Since we were appointed, we’ve used our experiences of big moments and difficult moments and what’s important is to take lessons from them. With these players we never start from zero.
“We’re in our eighth week of working with them.”
Back-row ace Charles Ollivon captains France from the flank and is joined in the loose forward trio by Francois Cros and Gregory Alldritt who starts at No 8.
South African-born duo Paul Willemse and Bernard le Roux start in the second row while Julien Marchand, Cyril Baille and Montpellier’s Mohamed Haouas are in the front row.
In the back-line, Anthony Bouthier will wear the No 15 jersey and Teddy Thomas and Vincent Rattez are the the two wings.
Gael Fickou and Virimi Vakatawa form the centre pairing.
Toulouse half-backs Antoine Dupont and Romain Ntamack complete the starting XV while experienced players Baptiste Serin, Camille Chat, Thomas Ramos and Romain Taofifénua are all among the replacements.
“We were ready for this short week,” said Galthie.
“It will be very interesting to see the result on Saturday.
“The little details which we’ve put in place since we’ve been together, like recovery, will help us have a connected, but autonomous France team on Saturday. We will be ready.”
France side to face Wales: Anthony Bouthier; Teddy Thomas, Virimi Vakatawa, Gael Fickou, Vincent Rattez; Romain Ntamack, Antoine Dupont; Cyril Baille, Julien Marchand, Mohamed Haouas, Bernard Le Roux, Paul Willemse, Francois Cros, Charles Ollivon (capt), Gregory Alldritt
Replacements: Camille Chat, Jean-Baptiste Gros, Demba Bamba, Romain Taofifenua, Dylan Cretin, Baptiste Serin, Arthur Vincent, Thomas Ramos.
