Les Bleus recall Michalak

Paris - France coach Marc Lievremont has recalled flyhalf Frederic Michalak to face World Cup winners South Africa in next month's Test match.

Lievremont picked France Under-21 captain Alexandre Lapandry on Wednesday, but decided against recalling centre Mathieu Bastareaud, who has apologised for lying to New Zealand police about being assaulted on tour in June.

To compensate for South Africa's superior strength in the pack, Lievremont named 17 forwards in his squad.

"South Africa winning the World Cup was not really a surprise, but I get the impression they have got even better since then," Lievremont said. "They largely dominated the Tri-Nations series this summer and the spine of their team is extremely strong."

Lievremont added that Lapandry "has shown over two seasons that he can play at the top level" and deserves a chance.

France play South Africa in Toulouse on November 13, followed by games against Samoa at Stade de France and New Zealand in Marseille.

France:

Forwards:

Fabien Barcella, Thomas Domingo, Dimitri Szarzewski, William Servat, Luc Ducalcon, Sylvain Marconnet, Nicolas Mas, Lionel Nallet, Romain Millo-Chluski, Sebastien Chabal, Pascal Pape, Imanol Harinordoquy, Louis Picamoles, Fulgence Ouedraogo, Thierry Dusautoir, Antoine Burban, Alexandre Lapandry

Backs:

Julien Dupuy, Morgan Parra, Frederic Michalak, Francois Trinh-Duc, Yannick Jauzion, Maxime Mermoz, Yann David, David Marty, Cedric Heymans, Benjamin Fall, Vincent Clerc, Maxime Medard, Damien Traille