Lievremont rests players

France coach Marc Lievremont has rested a handful of his senior players due to their “weariness” for their tour to South Africa and Argentina.

Hooker William Servat and lock Sebastien Chabal are the biggest names to be handed a rest, but the RBS 6 Nations champions retain the core of the squad that secured the Grand Slam.

Powerful Biarritz prop Fabien Barcella is recalled after missing the Six Nations through injury, with the Toulouse trio of lock Romain Millo-Chluski, number eight Louis Picamoles, fly-half David Skrela and Perpignan centre Maxime Mermoz the other players to earn recalls.

Skrela’s call-up is his first since November 2008, with his recent good form, including a try in the Heineken Cup semi-final victory over Leinster, booking his seat on the plane.

There are two uncapped players in the 30-man party in the form of Biarritz flanker Wenceslas Lauret and Perpignan full-back Jerome Porical.

Speaking of his decision to rest players Lievremont told the French Rugby Federation website: “William (Servat) has played for two or three