Going into the final day of play on Sunday, Richard has the chance to put France through to the second round of Davis Cup.
On Saturday, Clement and Llodra lost a tough five set marathon to Mergea/Tecau 3-6, 7-5, 7-5, 6-7(3), 11-9.
Richard will face Andrei Pavel in the fourth rubber on Sunday. Play starts at 1.30pm.
France have a 2-1 advantage going into the crucial fourth rubber.