Six Nations: Philippe Saint-Andre calls up uncapped French duo

UNCAPPED centre Westley Fofana and lock Yoann Maestri were named in France’s provisional squad for the Six Nations yesterday.

Coach Philippe Saint-Andre also picked fly-half Lionel Beauxis, full-back Clement Poitrenaud, and flanker Yannick Nyanga – none of whom played in last year’s World Cup. Saint-Andre kept faith with the majority of the players from that tournament, however, and resisted the temptation to experiment too much.

“There was a lot of debate over each position, but I don’t wish to comment on the absentees,” Saint-Andre said. “I hope they are disappointed at not being in the current squad. It’s up to them to make the necessary efforts. It’s not because they’re not in this squad that they can’t come back.”

Fofana and Maestri are both 23, although they have had differing paths.

Fofana, who has never represented France at any level, made his Clermont debut three years ago and was French champion with them the following year. He has three tries this season, forming an impressive midfield partnership with veteran international Aurelien Rougerie.

Maestri, who plays for Toulouse, captained France Under-20s in the 2008 junior worlds and Six Nations. He also played for France at under-19 and under-18 level.

Beauxis last played for France in June 2009, but has been in fine form for Toulouse. Nyanga last played at the 2007 World Cup. “Yannick Nyanga has been outstanding for Toulouse since the start of the season,” Saint-Andre said. “We want to have a look at Fofana, he has physical attributes of the very highest level.”

The 30 players will take part in a three-day training camp this month, giving Saint-Andre a better idea who will be in his 23-man squad for the Six Nations opener against Italy at Stade de France on 4 February.

Forwards

Fabien Barcella (Biarritz), Vincent Debaty (Clermont), Luc Ducalcon (Castres), Nicolas Mas (Perpignan), Jean-Baptiste Poux (Toulouse), William Servat (Toulouse), Dimitri Szarzewski (Stade Francais), Yoann Maestri (Toulouse), Romain Millo-Chluski (Toulouse), Pascal Pape (Stade Francais), Julien Pierre (Clermont), Imanol Harinordoquy (Biarritz), Thierry Dusautoir (Toulouse, capt), Fulgence Ouedraogo (Montpellier), Yannick Nyanga (Toulouse), Louis Picamoles (Toulouse), Julien Bonnaire (Clermont)

Backs

Morgan Parra (Clermont), Dimitri Yachvili (Biarritz), Lionel Beauxis (Toulouse), Francois Trinh-Duc (Montpellier), Yann David (Toulouse), Wesley Fofana (Clermont), Maxime Mermoz (Perpignan), Aurelien Rougerie (Clermont), Vincent Clerc (Toulouse), Julien Malzieu (Clermont), Alexis Palisson (Toulon), Maxime Medard (Toulouse), Clement Poitrenaud (Toulouse).