Bastareaud: I’m living the dream

MATHIEU BASTAREAUD is determined to repay the faith shown in him by France’s selectors when a whirlwind seven days culminate with him making his international debut tonight.

The 20-year-old Stade Francais centre makes the headlines as much for being the cousin of Arsenal and France footballer William Gallas as he does for his explosive deeds on a rugby pitch.

But he will have the limelight all to himself when he turns out for Les Bleus for the first time against Grand Slam-chasing Wales.