Pelous eager to make an impact after lengthy ban

FRANCE captain Fabien Pelous is determined to put his lengthy ban behind him and concentrate on success with his country ahead of their RBS 6 Nations opener with Scotland at Murrayfield on Sunday.

The 32-year-old Toulouse lock was banned for nine weeks last November for elbowing hooker Brendan Cannon during France’s 26-16 victory against Australia in November.

He missed out on Les Bleus’ three other Autumn wins over Canada, Tonga and South Africa as well as league and European matches with Toulouse.

He returned to action in January with his club and claims he is ready to bounce back in the Six Nations.

“I did something wrong, I was punished and I paid for it,” said Pelous yesterday.

“Now I want to think about something else and not talk about it anymore.

“During all that time I did what I can’t do when I have a match at the weekend - that is to say a lot of physical preparation.

“I have now played three top level matches which gave me a good indication of my form.”

Pelous will start his 11th Six Nations tournament on Sunday and celebrate his 103rd cap.

“Every tournament is different but the thing that never changes is my hunger for victories and domination over other teams,” he added.

France start the competition as favourites after displaying a flawless performance during the Autumn Tests.

Many fear their first clash with the Scots could be a potential banana skin but Pelous does not agree.

“The only danger ahead is to lose,” he added.

“A lot of things can happen during a match but we are certainly travelling to Scotland to win. There is no trap awaiting for us there.

“We want to impose our style both in defence and attack and we are extremely motivated. We don’t ask ourselves any question about our opponents.”

Fly-half Frederic Michalak, meanwhile, who has rested for most of the week as he tries to shake off a groin injury, is confident he will be able to play at Murrayfield.

“I’ve had a niggling pain in my groin for the past month and a half,” he explained.

“I am trying to treat it as well as I can to be fit.

“I think I will be fine on Sunday, I will have got my energy back and my groin will be better by then.”

The Toulouse player insists they will take Scotland seriously.

“Last year we took on a Welsh team that surprised us. This year I think Scotland could do the same with the players they have,” he said.

“They are a very competitive outfit and we will be careful.”