France, Feb. 22 -- France head coach Fabien Galthie swung the axe on star players Mathieu Jalibert and Damien Penaud as part of his attempt to relaunch his squad's tilt for the 2025 Six Nations title in Italy on Sunday.

Following their last-minute loss to England at Twickenham on 8 February, Galthie dropped winger Penaud and fly-half Jalibert for the third game in this season's competition.

Penaud returned to the international fray from injury on the back of scintillating form for hisclub side l'Union Bordeaux Begles.He had scored 15 tries in 12 games to help his team to top spot in the FrenchTop 14.

Jalibert appeared the the logical choice following the three-week suspension of Romain Ntamack for a poor tackle on Ben Thomas in the gam...