France boss Fabien Galthie wields the axe as superstars cut from Six Nations squad

The head coach has made sweeping changes ahead of the side's title defence with several high-profile axings. Gregory Alldritt and Gael Fickou, who both captained France in the absence of Antoine Dupont, the former leading the side to Six Nations glory, have both been dropped from the squad.

Romain Ntamack has also missed out on selection due to injury, while France's record try scorer, Damian Penaud, has not avoided the axe.

Penaud broke the legendary Serge Blanco's record when he crossed for his 40th try last November, but has not been recalled, seemingly for his defensive frailties.

Instead, Galthie has turned to English-born and raised winger Aaron Grandidier Nkanang, who is one of eight uncapped players in the squad.

Australian second rower Tom Staniforth has also been called up, having qualified for France last year. The remaining uncapped players are Temo Matiu, Gregoire Arfeuil, Fabien Brau-Boirie, Gael Drean, Noah Nene, and Ugo Seunes.

Dupont returns to the Les Bleus set-up and is primed to captain the side, having last featured for the side at last year's Six Nations.

Ntamack's injury has also necessitated the return of Matthieu Jalibert, who has been in sterling form for Bordeaux. The playmaker has had his personal clashes with Galthie in recent times, but is seen by many as the frontrunner for the number 10 jersey for the opening game against Ireland. Toulouse loosehead prop Cyril Baille is also recalled, as is Bordeaux's Cameron Woki and Toulon's Baptiste Serin.

France Six Nations' squad

Forwards: Dorian Aldegheri, Uini Atonio, Hugo Auradou, Cyril Baille, Paul Boudehent, François Cros, Alexandre Fischer, Thibaud Flament, Jean-Baptiste Gros, Mickael Guillard, Oscar Jegou, Anthony Jelonch, Maxime Lamothe, Julien Marchand, Temo Matiu, Peato Mauvaka, Emmanuel Meafou, Regis Montagne, Rodrigue Neti, Lenni Nouchi, Charles Ollivon, Dany Priso, Thomas Staniforth, Tevita Tatafu, Cameron Woki

Backs: Gregoire Arfeuil, Theo Attissogbe, Louis Bielle-Biarrey, Fabien Brau-Boirie, Romain Buros, Thibault Daubagna, Nicolas Depoortere, Gael Drean, Antoine Dupont, Kalvin Gourgues, Aaron Grandidier Nkanang, Matthieu Jalibert, Yoram Moefana, Noah Nene, Thomas Ramos, Baptiste Serin, Ugo Seunes

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