France coach Fabien Galthie on Sunday recalled a clutch of experienced internationals for country's big challenge of their autumn Nations Championship fixtures against South Africa.
Les Bleus thumped Fiji 54-17 on Saturday in Lyon, but have only won once in the last 10 meetings with the Springboks going back to 2009. South Africa have beaten France five straight times at the Stade de France, including a one-point quarterfinal victory in 2023 on their way to retaining the World Cup.
Galthie recalled 31-year-old hooker Julien Marchand, who had been sidelined since injuring a thigh in early October. He made his return for his club Toulouse on Saturday and could go straight into the starting line-up to face South Africa's destructive front row.
France continue to face injury problems in the backs. Fly half Romain Ntamack was forced off with a shoulder injury on his international return on Saturday. France were already without fly half Matthieu Jalibert and full-back and goal kicker Thomas Ramos.
Galthie also recalled 32-year-old centre Gael Fickou and 33-year-old winger Teddy Thomas as well as fly half Louis Carbonel and winger Gael Drean.
Carbonel has not featured in a France match-day squad since 2022. Drean, 26, returned to action for his club, Toulon, and scored a try on Saturday, after a six-month lay-off following heart surgery.