Charvis has struggled to make an impact in this season's campaign

Johnson says Charvis, 33, has been left out because he needs a rest.

"He has had a big year and at some stage something has to give. He needs a good off-season and good preparation," said Johnson.

"If he has that there is no doubt that his Test career is far from over. I don't see it as the end for him."

Charvis, a former Wales captain and Lion, started Wales' first four Six Nations games this season and three of the four autumn internationals.

Wales drop Charvis for France

But the 84 capped Newcastle Falcon has not even made the bench for the Six Nations finale against France on Saturday.

Johnson says Charvis has accepted the decision like a "true professional" and will still have an important role to play in training this week.

"He has been a true professional in the time I have dealt with him, but he just looks a player that is tired," explained Johnson.

"He has played a lot of rugby this year - the best part of 20 games already - missing just one game for Newcastle in the Guinness Premiership and featuring for us at international level throughout the campaign so far this autumn.

"We are resting him, but he will remain part of the squad and we want him around to help lift the players.

"I think it's fair that he has a break because I don't want to throw the boy out there again. At the moment he is tired."

France have some great players, and we have a huge regard for French rugby and their style of play Wales caretaker coach Scott Johnson

Captain Michael Owen takes Charvis' blindside flanker role, which allows Johnson to start with Alix Popham at number eight.

Popham starred for the Scarlets in their recent Powergen Cup win over Bath, and the 26-year-old has been rewarded with a first Six Nations start.

"Alix deserves his chance to start, and we have gone for Dafydd (Jones) on the bench for the energy and impact he will be able to offer," Johnson added.

A France victory at the Millennium Stadium should be enough to hand them their third Six Nations title in five years, but it could also consign Wales to the wooden spoon.

Johnson is widely expected to accept a coaching position with Australia at the end of this campaign, and admits Wales have their work cut out to finish with a flourish.

"France have some great players, and we have a huge regard for French rugby and their style of play," he said.

"They will be formidable opponents, and with the championship at stake, they will be making sure they go home with a victory.

"Our job is to make that task as hard as possible for them, and nothing would give us greater pleasure than to be able to say we beat them and had a positive influence on the outcome of the tournament."