Former France captain Fabien Pelous is back in the starting line-up for Saturday's Six Nations clash against Scotland in Murrayfield.

Pelous, one of two changes to the team which beat England in Paris, will be in Les Bleus' second row as France attempt to stay on course for the Grand Slam.

French coach Bernard Laporte told a press conference this morning in Clairefontaine: "Pelous impressed us when he came in the past for games and that is why we've decided to start him ahead of Thibault Privat."

Pelous, 28, is in Les Bleus' starting line-up for the first time since France's devastating 48-16 loss to England at Twickenham in April last year.

He commented, "This game in Edinburgh is a step towards my permanent return to the team. I worked a lot to come back to my best level and this match is a chance I am going to seize.

"Most of all, I want to prove that I deserve to come back and show Laporte he is right to trust me."

Laporte decided to rest Pelous for France's summer tour to South Africa last year.

"I really needed a break in June, whether it was physically or mentally," Pelous said. "I had some difficult times but I knew it was necessary."

Then for France's successful autumn campaign against South Africa, Australia and Fiji, Laporte opted for youth in Thibault Privat.

"It became very frustrating for me in the autumn because I was fit to play and back to my best," Pelous said.

"But on the other hand, France's success in the autumn really gave me an extra motivation to come back to the starting line-up.

"In our first three Six Nations games against Italy, Wales and England I played well even if I did just come on during the game. Now, I think I deserve my place."

Laporte clearly agrees, saying: "Pelous has given us a lot of satisfaction since the start of the tournament.

"All his appearances have been excellent, especially in defence where he made vital tackles.

"It is logical for me to trust him because he has made the necessary efforts to get back on track."

Jean Baptiste Poux is the other change to the starting line-up. He comes in as a replacement for the injured Pieter De Villiers.

Team: N Brusque, A Rougerie, D Traille, T Marsh, D Bory, G Merceron, F Galthie, I Harinordoquy, O Magne, S Betsen, F Pelous, O Brouzet, JB Poux, R Ibanez, JJ Crenca.

Replacements: S Marconnet, O Azam, T Privat, R Martin, P Mignoni, F Gelez, J Marlu.