Thierry Dusatoir back in French squad for Six Nations

Coach Philippe Saint-Andre recalled veteran flanker Thierry Dusautoir in an experienced squad for France’s opening Six Nations match against Italy on Sunday.

The 31-year-old won the last of his 54 France caps against Wales in a 16-9 home win during last year’s tournament, where he was an ever-present, but then faced a long spell out following a serious knee injury. Lock Pascal Pape captains the side having initially taken over from Dusautoir on an interim basis during the autumn Test series wins over Australia, Argentina and Samoa. Burly centre Mathieu Bastareaud was also named in the squad yesterday and is line to make his first international appearance since March 2010.

Squad: Forwards: Vincent Debaty, Yannick Forestier, Benjamin Kayser, Dimitri Szarzewski, Luc Ducalcon, Nicolas Mas, Yoann Maestri, Pascal Pape (captain), Romain Taofifenua, Damien Chouly, Thierry Dusautoir, Yannick Nyanga, Fulgence Ouedraogo, Louis Picamoles. Backs: Maxime Machenaud, Morgan Parra, Frederic Michalak, Francois Trinh-Duc, Mathieu Bastareaud, Benjamin Fall, Wesley Fofana, Florian Fritz, Yoann Huget, Maxime Mermoz.