Thierry Dusautoir can’t contain his delight at being back in the France squad for next month’s tests against New Zealand, Tonga and South Africa.
The Toulouse flanker missed June’s three-Test whitewash in New Zealand but has been recalled for October’s training camp following a knee injury.
France coach Philippe Saint-Andre said last week when announcing his squad that the 31-year-old Dusautoir would reclaim the captaincy from Stade Francais lock Pascal Pape if he is 100 per cent fit in November.
“It’s a mark of confidence and that’s important but the most important thing is that the France team tackles these next three matches with the maximum confidence,” said Dusautoir, who missed last year’s November tests with another knee injury before making his return in the Six Nations.
France had a disappointing tour of New Zealand in June, losing all three tests, including an embarrassing 30-0 shut-out in the second test.
But Dusautoir is looking forward to the opportunity for revenge, and not just against the All Blacks.
France lost 19-14 to Tonga the last time the two sides met at the 2011 World Cup whilst their previous clash with the Springboks ended in a crushing 42-17 defeat in Cape Town in 2010.
“Some great matches are awaiting us, great opportunities which, I hope, will allow us to increase our number of victories by building on what we managed to do in the summer,” Dusautoir added.
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