France has made 10 changes in its side to face Argentina in the World Cup third-place playoff in Paris this weekend.

Coach Bernard Laporte has kept just six of the players who started Saturday's 14-9 semifinal defeat to England.

Three players, lock Fabien Pelous, centre Yannick Jauzion and prop Olivier Milloud, were ruled out by injuries.

Lock Sebastien Chabal has been cleared for an alleged dangerous tackle on England lock Simon Shaw and takes his place on the replacements bench.

The hosts were upset by the Pumas in the opening match of the tournament and this match looms as a chance to get one back on the South Americans.

"We had to take into account the fact that many players were injured or tired but it's certainly not a match we are taking lightly," Laporte said.

"We want to win this match because third place is at stake and the players will give it all they have," he added.

Clement Poitrenaud returns at fullback and Frederic Michalak will start at first five in an indication that France will attempt to run the ball rather than kicking away possession like it did against England.