While Vannes and Perpignan battle to avoid the drop, Stade Français and Racing 92 are also scrapping for survival.
The Investec Champions Cup holders look weary and devoid of attacking spark since being shorn of their totemic scrum-half.
Wing Simone Gesi and hooker Gianmarco Lucchesi are the new faces in Italy’s team as they look to follow up their victory over Wales in round two by springing a major upset.
Fabien Galthie has changed four players in his starting XV to take on Italy in Rome on Sunday to the one that lost to England in round two of the Guinness Six Nations, with further changes on the bench.
A lack of execution under pressure made France's defeat by England the most demoralising of Fabien Galthié’s reign.
Who is in form and who are the players to watch among the eight French teams in Europe's elite competition?
Having had their Nations Cup game with Fiji cancelled, France have made 8 changes from the XV that beat Ireland to play Scotland on Sunday.
Left out by Racing for the Champions Cup final, Teddy Thomas made a try-scoring return for France last Saturday but he is now injured.
Budgets, players to watch, arrivals and departures - and an overview of each club at the start of the new season. Welcome to the Rugby Pass club-by-club Top 14 season preview