Rugby: France unleash Chabal for second test

Sebastian Chabal will start the second test against the All Blacks at lock. Photo / Getty Images

French coach Marc Lievremont sprung a surprise by making three changes for the second rugby test against the All Blacks here on Saturday.

Despite his team's impressive all round performance in the 27-22 first test triumph at Dunedin, Liervremont has made one change to his backline and two to his tight five - including the recall of hard man Sebastien Chabal at lock.

Chabal replaces Pascal Pape while the two other introduced players are from French champions Perpignan, who were unavailable for the first because the Top 14 domestic final was played the week before.

Exciting young centre Maxime Mermoz comes in for Mathieu Bastareaud while prop Nicholas Mas is named on the tighthead side ahead of veteran Sylvain Marconnet - who is omitted from the squad.

Loose forwards Remy Martin and Damien Chouly both come onto the French reserve bench.

Lievremont said the changes were made in an attempt to "freshen up" his side.

France
Maxime Medard, Vincent Clerc, Maxime Mermoz, Damien Traille, Cedric Heymans, Francois Trinh-Duc, Julien Dupuy, Louis Picamoles, Fulgence Ouedraogo, Thierry Dusautoir (captain), Romain Millo-Chluski, Sebastien Chabal, Nicolas Mas, William Servat, Fabien Barcella.

Reserves: Dimitri Szarzewski, Thomas Domingo, Remy Martin, Damien Chouly, Dimitri Yachvili, Yannick Jauzion, Mathieu Bastareaud.

- NZPA