Marc Lievremont has named his starting XV for France’s opening World Cup clash with Japan on Saturday (September 10).

Hooker William Servat makes a return to the squad after missing both of France's warm-up matches, while veteran scrum-half Dimitri Yachvili is picked over Morgan Parra.

Raphael Lakafia replaces Louis Picamoles at number eight, winning his second cap in the process.

Prop Fabien Barcella will get his first start since June 2010 after recovering from a long-term Achilles injury.

Aurelien Rougerie continues his comeback from injury in midfield alongside league convert Fabrice Estebanez.

France: Cedric Heymans, Vincent Clerc, Aurelien Rougerie, Fabrice Estebanez, Maxime Medard, Francois Trinh-Duc, Dimitri Yachvili, Fabien Barcella, William Servat, Nicolas Mas, Julien Pierre, Lionel Nallet, Thierry Dusautoir, Imanol Harinordoquy, Raphael Lakafia.

Replacements: Jean-Baptiste Poux, Dimitri Szarzewski, Pascal Pape, Julien Bonnaire, Morgan Parra, David Skrela, David Marty.