Domenech drops captain Evra to the bench

France captain Patrice Evra and Florent Malouda were both banished to the bench for the vital Group A game against South Africa at the Free State Stadium.

The two players found themselves demoted after an incident that further destabilised the French camp on Sunday.

The France squad boycotted a training session after striker Nicolas Anelka was expelled following a row with coach Raymond Domenech.

Bordeaux midfielder Alou Diarra was handed the armband against the host nation as Domenech made six changes.

Anelka, Eric Abidal, Sidney Govou and the suspended Jeremy Toulalan were the others to drop down.

France: Lloris, Sagna, Gallas, Squillaci, Clichy, Diarra, Diaby, Gignac, Gourcuff, Ribery, Cisse.

Subs: Mandanda, Abidal, Reveillere, Planus, Govou, Henry, Evra, Malouda, Valbuena.

South Africa: Josephs, Ngcongca, Mokoena, Khumalo, Masilela, Pienaar, Sibaya, Khuboni, Tshabalala, Mphela, Parker.

Subs: Walters, Gaxa, Davids, Modise, Letsholonyane, Booth, Thwala, Nomvethe, Moriri, Sangweni.

Referee: Julian Oscar Ruiz Acosta (Colombia).