Fofana recalled for Romania game

Croydon - France star centre Wesley Fofana will start their second Pool D game against Romania on Wednesday after missing the opening 32-10 win over Italy because of a groin injury.

The 27-year-old Clermont ace is one of 13 changes to the starting XV against Italy. No 8 Louis Picamoles and Fiji-born wing Noa Nakatici are the two survivors.

Hooker Dimitri Szarzewski captains the side which also features a halfback pairing of Remi Tales at fly-half and experienced scrum-half Morgan Parra.

France coach Philippe Saint-Andre said he was looking for a good all round performance and not 15 players seeking to press their own case.

"Wednesday's match is very important for the team performance," said Saint-Andre.

"I don't want 15 players just playing for themselves."

Saint-Andre, who steps down after the campaign is over following an underwhelming reign since the 2011 World Cup, said that despite Romania's lowly world ranking, France would not take victory for granted.

Roman are 17th in the world rankings, 10 places below France.

"We can beat anybody but we must not let our guard down against any side, including Romania."

France and Ireland top the Pool after winning their first games - the Irish whipping Canada 50-5 - with their likely table-topping decider the final pool game in Cardiff on October 11.

Teams:

France: 15 Brice Dulin, 14 Sofiane Guitoune, 13 Gaël Fickou, 12 Wesley Fofana, 11 Noa Nakaitaci, 10 Rémi Talès, 9 Morgan Parra, 8 Louis Picamoles, 7 Fulgence Ouedraogo, 6 Yannick Nyanga, 5 Alexandre Flanquart, 4 Bernard le Roux, 3 Uini Atonio, 2 Dimitri Szarzewski (captain), 1 Vincent Debaty

Substitutes: 16 Benjamin Kayser, 17 Eddy Ben Arous, 18 Nicolas Mas, 19 Yoann Maestri, 20 Damien Chouly, 21 Rory Kockott, 22 Frédéric Michalak, 23 Mathieu Bastareaud

Romania: 15 Catalin Fercu, 14 Madalin Lemnaru, 13 Paula Kinikinilau, 12 Florin Vlaicu, 11 Adrian Apostol, 10 Danut Dumbrava, 9 Florin Surugiu, 8 Mihai Macovei (captain), 7 Viorel Lucaci, 6 Valentin Ursache, 5 Johannes van Heerden, 4 Valentin Poparlan, 3 Paulica Ion, 2 Otar Turashvili, 1 Mihaita Lazar

Substitutes: 16 Andrei Radoi, 17 Andrei Ursache, 18 Horatiu Pungea, 19 Ovidiu Tonita, 20 Stelian Burcea, 21 Valentin Calafeteanu, 22 Ionut Botezatu, 23 Csaba Gal