No France return for Thomas and punished players

It means there is no place in the squad for dazzling wing Teddy Thomas and his fellow players sanctioned two weeks ago with a one-match ban over a controversial late-night, alcohol-fuelled drinking session.

Barnstorming No.8 Louis Picamoles has also been left out along with the other six punished players: Arthur Iturria, Anthony Belleau, Jonathan Danty, Sekou Macalou, Remi Lamerat and Felix Lambey.

France had been under pressure and on an eight-match winless run ahead of Friday's match in Marseille.

But Brunel said he hoped France "have regained confidence" following the 34-17 success and could yet name an unchanged team against Eddie Jones's men, who will be smarting from their chastening 13-25 defeat by Scotland.

Barrelling centre Mathieu Bastareaud will likely be given another start after a starring role against Italy.

He missed France's first two matches in the tournament as he served a ban over a homophobic slur.

But Brunel was delighted with his contribution in Marseille, saying: "We knew from the beginning he would be useful to the team and he demonstrated that [on Friday].

"He gave us what we expected of him."

Agence France-Presse