France vs Canada: Tinkerman Philippe Saint-Andre keeping Les Bleus on their toes

Scott Spedding says France’s players are comfortable with Philippe Saint-Andre’s tinkering with the team.

The South African-born player is at full-back for tonight’s match against Canada while the regular No15, Brice Dulin, starts at left wing for only the second time in his 21-Test career.

Since replacing Marc Lievremont as head coach after the last World Cup, Saint-Andre has forged a reputation for shaking up his squad. He regularly changes his halves and midfield pairings, shifting players from wing to centre, wing to full-back, and vice-versa.

Saint-Andre’s flexible approach can affect consistency but it makes his players more versatile and Spedding insists the squad support his methods.

“We never know [who will be in the XV] so we have to prove ourselves in each game,” said Spedding, who became a French citizen last year.

“No one is safe, and we have to earn our place. It keeps everyone on their toes and is healthy for competition. At training everyone is putting their hand up to earn a spot, and the coaches give everyone a chance.”

France go into the game in Milton Keynes second in Pool D after victories over Italy (32-10) and Romania (38-11).

A sloppy first-half performance against Romania last week led to Saint-Andre laying into his team during the break.

“It was deserved as we weren’t sticking to the team plan,” said Spedding. “We reacted well to what he had to say.”

Wing Remy Grosso will make his Test debut after being drafted into the squad for Yoann Huget, who sustained a cruciate knee ligament injury against Italy.

Stadium:mk, 8pm, ITV 4