Paris : France will bid today to end a six-year wait and land the Six Nations Grand Slam against the same side they beat to secure the 2004 clean sweep — arch foes England.
Victory over the English would also end a series of humiliating defeats by their opponents dating back to the 2007 Six Nations, culminating in an astonishing 34-10 thrashing at Twickenham last year.
"That marked us hugely," said France coach Marc Lievremont.
Bad memories
"This defeat remains relatively incomprehensible because for two years, there was rarely such a supine display by the French team, with such a catastrophic outcome. Yes indeed, that is a bad memory."
The return of centre Mike Tindall outside Riki Flutey and Flood means England starts with the same midfield that helped it take a 29-0 lead at halftime on the way to last season's mauling of the French.
"We were expecting Mike Tindall to return to strengthen the English midfield," Lievremont said.
"The thing I enjoy about it is that we have got a chance to really annoy the French, spoil their party and silence Stade de France," Tindall said.
Veteran lock Simon Shaw returns after recovering from a shoulder problem and Chris Ashton makes his debut on wing in place of the concussed Ugo Monye.
Wilkinson made way for Flood, Tindall earns his 61st cap in place of Mathew Tait, Ben Foden replaces out-of-form fullback Delon Armitage and James Haskell drops to the bench to allow Lewis Moody to return at openside flanker.
Joe Worsley switches to blindside to replace Haskell.
