Fritz had started the last seven matches for France, going back to last year’s Six Nations defeat in Cardiff, but will have to settle for a place on the bench.

However Saint-André insists the Toulouse centre will still have a major role to play, while the decision to reinstate Thierry Dusautoir as captain was an easy one.

Saint-André said: “It’s more of a strategic decision with regard to the Welsh blitz defence. We know Florian’s qualities, he’s started our last seven matches, he will come on and bring all his hard-hitting qualities.

“It was the natural choice, we had no problem with Thierry, from the moment Pascal got injured and that Thierry was feeling good, he was naturally going to be the captain.

“We believe in this squad, now it’s up to us to get our heads down and prepare for a tough game against Wales.

“It’s in defeat that we learn. We will see how the team reacts collectively. We will need to find the solutions to how we rediscover the freshness and efficiency that was lacking in Italy.

“I’m longing for the Stade de France, in front of our fans. The Six Nations isn’t over.”