Stuart Lancaster innovated for the derby by replacing the usual full-back, Max Spring, at scrum-half. A first. Le Garrec and Gibert requisitioned by the XV of France, Clovis Le Bail did not convince in his interim role and disappeared from the match sheet. Junior Kpoku takes his place on the bench for the first time.
On the Parisian side, Sekou Macalou is making his return and will be captain of Stade Français, deprived of Jeremy Ward, suspended. Left pillar Clément Castets returns to the starting XV a month after his last start. At the hinge, the Rory Kockott-Zack Henry duo is renewed.