France coach Philippe Saint-Andre insists Les Bleus are "not far away" as they look to remain in Six Nations title contention at Wales' expense on Saturday.

Saint-Andre has reacted to his team's 18-11 defeat against reigning champions Ireland last time out by making five changes.

Into the team come full-back Brice Dulin, centre Remi Lamerat, wing Sofiane Guitoune, scrum-half Morgan Parra and lock Romain Taofifenua.

And they face a considerable task, given that Wales have won the last three Six Nations Tests against France, while also posting that winning run without conceding a try.

The surprise selection was midfield powerhouse Mathieu Bastareaud's relegation to the bench, given his impressive display against Ireland a fortnight ago.

"On Saturday we think that Bastareaud's power will help us more at the end of the match," Saint-Andre told www.rbs6nations.net.

"Sofiane Guitoune was with us in November 2013, and was even a starter during that campaign. He is versatile, and he likes to have the ball in his hands.

"He gets involved in the game a lot and has been playing very well for his club, so he brings that freshness to the side. He is a finisher, but also someone who can create space for others.

"We all know Brice Dulin's qualities under the high ball, and his qualities on the counter attack. It is not that Scott Spedding [who Dulin replaces] has done anything wrong, but we now have two full-backs of real quality."

Like Wales, France know they can afford no further slip-ups in this season's championship, but Saint-Andre has taken heart from the performance against Ireland, when Les Bleus scored the game's solitary try.

"We made twice as many passes as the Irish, and we scored a try against the number three side in the world, the team that many are calling the best in Europe," he added.

"We are not far away, and we are working hard to get there."

Eight previous meetings between France and Wales at Stade de France have produced four wins each.

But Wales shaded a tense batttle on their last Paris visit two years ago, when wing George North's late try secured a 16-6 success and sent Wales on a four-game unbeaten run that ultimately saw them crowned Six Nations champions.

France coach Philippe Saint-Andre has rung the changes for France's clash against Wales © Getty Images

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