Saint-Andre rings France changes for Argentina

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Philippe Saint-Andre's side recorded an impressive 29-26 victory over Australia last weekend after beating Fiji 40-15 earlier in the month.

France had to withstand late presssure from Australia before celebrating a memorable triumph and Argentina are likely to provide another stern test.

The home side will be without winger Teddy Thomas, who was axed by Saint-Andre after missing a training session this week.

Thomas scored a hat-trick on his debut against Fiji and took his international tally to four tries with another score against the Wallabies, but Saint-Andre has taken a strong line with the Racing Metro wing. 

"In the France group there are rules that everyone should respect," he said. "Teddy, who we love a lot, has forgotten these. 

"When you play in the France team you have to be beyond reproach and respectful on and off the field.

"I had a meeting yesterday [Wednesday] with Teddy and he understands. I'm sure it will make him grow up."

Maxime Medard takes Thomas' place in the starting line-up as one of five changes, with Maxime Mermoz, Sebastien Vahaamahina, Benjamin Kayser and Xavier Chiocci also coming in.

Argentina have had a mixed Northern Hemisphere tour so far with victory over Italy preceded by a loss against Scotland at Murrayfield.

Captain Agustin Creevy has been passed fit for the match at the Stade de France after missing the Italy win and he returns in place of Matias Cortese.

Daniel Hourcade has made three other changes for the clash, all in the backs, with Nicolas Sanchez, Marcelo Bosch and Juan Imhoff starting.

Bosch expects a better performance this weekend and knows the Pumas must adapt quickly if they are to have a chance of recording a fifth win in nine meetings against France.

"We did not play well in either game but we beat Italy, which was important," said the centre. 

"We have been slow to adapt to the game that we are facing in Europeans, especially in the rucks, where you fight a lot here for every ball.

"The Rugby Championship goes faster, almost without stopping. So, the idea is to start quickly on Saturday, especially against a very tough opponent, at home."

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