Coach Marc Lievremont has some heavy things on his mind ahead of France’s first Test against South Africa on Friday.

In preparation for what he believes will be a bruising encounter, Lievremont has called up a heavyweight backrow to try and contain the world champions for the clash in Toulouse.

Regular No.8 Imanol Harinordoquy has switched to blindside flanker with Louis Picamoles going into the back of the scrum and captain Thierry Dusautoir starting at openside flanker.

“We picked a backrow that offers a lot of guarantees in terms of power and experience,” Lievremont said, before dismissing the idea of using Sebastien Chabal in the backrow.

“Even if he is less explosive than Chabal, Picamoles has proved his worth in terms of power,” the French coach added.

Lievremont has kept faith with Julien Dupuy, the former Leicester scrum-half now with Stade Francais, and fly-half Francois Trinh-Duc, who both played in France’s 27-22 win over New Zealand in June.

But Damien Traille has been moved from centre to fullback to counter the aggressive field kicking of the Springboks.

Traille’s move allowed for the selection of the youthful centre pairing of Maxime Mermoz, a 23-year-old with four Test caps, and 21-year-old Yann David, who will earn his second cap.

“Maxime is the in-form centre of the French championship and we went for David because we think power will be important,” added Lievremont.

Meanwhile, Dan Carter should find out today whether he will be free to face England.

The star fly-half is in the dock after being cited for a dangerous tackle on Wales scrum-half Martin Roberts during the All Blacks’ 19-12 victory at the Millennium Stadium on Saturday. He escaped censure, but the incident was later reviewed.

If a ban is imposed, Carter could miss the England game on November 21.

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