Monday 30 January 2017 10:18, UK
The 2016 Six Nations was about as bad as it gets for Les Bleus; finishing fifth and beaten by England in Paris.
But there has been something of a resurgence in France, who have provided the most quarter-finalists in this season's Champions Cup. Toulouse are working towards becoming the European threat of old, while Clermont finished top of the overall standings.
On the international stage Guy Noves' side have shown enormous improvement since last year's Championship. A two-match series against Argentina was shared in June before a 44-point hammering of Samoa opened their autumn internationals.
After Samoa there were agonisingly close losses to Australia by two points and the world champion All Blacks by five points.
While the world talks up the final-round clash between Ireland and England in Dublin, the French will be launching their campaign with revenge in mind: England at Twickenham on February 4.
With Wesley Fofana out of the Six Nations it is a chance for Gael Fickou to stake his claim for a regular place in France's national setup.
The Toulouse centre is only 22 but is a relatively seasoned campaigner - this will be the fifth time he takes part in a Six Nations with France. He won't fear facing the likes of Owen Farrell, Jamie Roberts and Robbie Henshaw.
Forwards: Uini Atonio, Cyril Baille, Mohamed Boughanmi, Damien Chouly, Loann Goujon, Kevin Gourdon, Guilhem Guirado, Arthur Iturria, Julien Le Devedec, Bernard le Roux, Yoann Maestri, Clement Maynadier, Louis Picamoles, Fabien Sanconnie, Baptiste Serin, Rabah Slimani, Christopher Tolofua, Sebastien Vahaamahina.
Backs: Mathieu Bastareaud, Djibril Camara, Yann David, Jean-Marc Doussain, Gael Fickou, Yoann Huget, Remi Lamerat, Camille Lopez, Maxime Machenaud, Noa Nakaitaci, Geoffrey Palis, Scott Spedding, Virimi Vakatawa.
