French centre Bastareaud back to face Boks

Barnstorming Toulon midfielder Mathieu Bastareaud has been recalled to the French squad for the November Test matches. Photo: Ed Sykes/Reuters

Barnstorming Toulon midfielder Mathieu Bastareaud has been recalled to the French squad for the November Test matches. Photo: Ed Sykes/Reuters

Published Oct 25, 2017

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PARIS – Toulon centre Mathieu Bastareaud was recalled to the France squad by coach Guy Noves on Wednesday for the upcoming autumn internationals, starting with the November 11 clash against world champions New Zealand.

The 29-year-old last played for his country at the 2015 World Cup, although he was called up as cover during this year’s Six Nations without making an appearance. 

“Mathieu looks calm right now, he has made progress in certain areas and is performing 80 percent of the time on the whole. He is naturally coming back,” said Noves, whose team was swept 3-0 by South Africa in June.

Toulouse second-rower Yoann Maestri was omitted from the 32-man squad for the All Blacks showdown in Paris, with the France vice-captain instead on a secondary list of 14 players for another match against New Zealand three days later in Lyon.

France will also play South Africa on November 18 before hosting Japan a week later.

French Squad

Forwards:

Antoine Guillamon, Daniel Kozte, Clement Maynadier, Jefferson Poirot, Guilhem Guirado (captain), Christopher Tolofua, Rabah Slimani, Raphael Chaume, Paul Gabrillagues, Romain Taofifenua, Sebastien Vahaamahina, Felix Lambey, Louis Picamoles, Kevin Gourdon, Judicael Cancoriet, Anthony Jelonch, Fulgence Ouedraogo, Marco Tauleigne

Backs:

Antoine Dupont, Baptiste Serin, Anthony Belleau, Francois Trinh-Duc, Mathieu Bastareaud, Geoffrey Doumayrou, Remi Lamerat, Damian Penaud, Virimi Vakatawa, Gabriel Lacroix, Yoann Huget, Teddy Thomas, Nans Ducuing, Scott Spedding.

AFP

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