Will be used only if Dimitri Szarzewski and Raphael Ibanez are unavailable but, make no mistake, he has some qualities of his own. Ability to find his man in the lineout means he has established himself as first choice for English champions Sale Sharks, and mixes strong tackling and aggressive running. He is also superb in the scrum, probably the best of France's three hookers in this department. His time in the France set-up stretches back to 2002, when he made his debut against Wales. Signed an extension to his deal with the Sharks last season.