Michalak willing to wait

France fly-half Frederic Michalak is convinced he will soon be back in Bernard Laporte’s first XV – but the 22-year-old is in no rush.

The Toulouse player, who has won 25 caps since making his debut against South Africa in 2001, has not started either of France’s matches against Scotland and England so far in the RBS 6 Nations.

He will once again be on the bench when France meet Wales in Paris on Saturday afternoon, with Castres’ Yann Delaigue starting at number 10.

At the start of the tournament Laporte highlighted the importance of competition for the fly-half position, but made it clear he had not turned his back on Michalak.

And the player who was the second highest points-scorer at the 2003 World Cup, behind England’s Jonny Wilkinson, is content to bide his time as he waits for a chance to reclaim his place.

“I have put myself at the team’s disposal and haven’t thought about my interests at all,” said Michalak.

“I am sure I will have a chance again one day. I behave the same way as the young players who have joined the national team – my aim is to bring something to the team on or off the pitch.”

Michalak played the last five minutes of France’s opener against the Scots before coming on in the 73rd minute of their 18-17 win over England at Twickenham.

“I have always been used to competition,” he added. “In a way it gives me experience and forces me to work harder.

“I have already experienced a lot of things at my age, on an international level, so it can be good to take my time for once.”

On the injury front, flanker Serge Betsen has been given the all-clear following his troublesome thigh injury, while captain Fabien Pelous should be fit even though he pulled up in training this week with a calf problem.

“I left because I did not want to take any risks but this is nothing serious,” Pelous said.