Michalak misses the French cut
France coach Philippe Saint-André produced a surprise on Monday when he left out Toulon flyhalf Frédéric Michalak and Montpellier back François Trinh-Duc from his Six Nations squad.
Saint-Andre handed debut call-ups to Stade Français trio Jules Plisson, who plays at centre, as well as back row forward Antoine Burban and wing Hugo Bonneval, while Castres back Geoffrey Palis is also included for the first time.
The team are set to wind up their preparations for the tournament, won last year by Wales, at a training camp beginning on January 19 in Canet-en-Rousillon.
France open their campaign on February 1, when they host England at the Stade de France.
France:
Forwards: Thomas Domingo (Clermont), Yannick Forestier (Castres), Benjamin Kayser (Clermont), Dimitri Szarzewski (Racing-Métro), Nicolas Mas (Montpellier), Rabah Slimani (Stade Français), Alexandre Flanquart (Stade Français), Yoann Maestri (Toulouse), Pascal Pape (Stade Français), Sebastien Vahaamahina (Perpignan), Antoine Burban (Stade Français), Thierry Dusautoir (Toulouse, captain), Bernard Le Roux (Racing-Métro), Yannick Nyanga (Toulouse), Damien Chouly (Clermont), Louis Picamoles (Toulouse).
Backs: Jean-Marc Doussain (Toulouse), Maxime Machenaud (Racing-Métro), Jules Plisson (Stade Français), Remi Tales (Castres), Mathieu Bastareaud (Toulon), Gael Fickou (Toulouse), Wesley Fofana (Clermont), Maxime Mermoz (Toulon), Sofiane Guitoune (Perpignan), Yoann Huget (Toulouse), Maxime Medard (Toulouse), Geoffrey Palis (Castres), Hugo Bonneval (Stade Français), Brice Dulin (Castres).
AFP
