France team manager Joe Maso said: “Castaignede complained about a knock to his back against Northampton. We have decided to go with Garbajosa which makes sense because he is on form.”

With Castaignede, opponents can always expect the unexpected. The mercurial star has an uncanny knack of conjuring up opportunities out of nothing.

However, the versatile Garbajosa’s blistering pace gives France that extra cutting edge.

Laporte said: “They are two similar players, but Garbajosa can give that extra punch to the team.”

Maso added: “We will start the game with the desire to retain the title. England will have seen many videos of us as we have of them. Serge Betsen managed to upset (Jonny) Wilkinson in the game last year. We have the means to destabilise them.

“The game will be won as usual on defence and creative individual ability.”