However, he is eager to prove his worth when the French take on Scotland at Murrayfield on Sunday as they take aim at the Grand Slam.

The Montferrand player was snubbed by coach Bernard Laporte, who who left him on the bench for the 29-22 victory over Wales on March 6.

Now Magne, who has 75 caps, wants to show he is a key player for France, believing his performance against Ireland had not merited his being dropped.

In the first two matches I felt I had performed well individually and there was a lot of enthusiasm collectively," he said.

"When Bernard told me I would be a substitute against Wales it hurt my pride. When you've worn the blue shirt for as long as that, and then you're told its something that hits you quite hard.

The Frenchman, who put in a convincing performance for 21 minutes against Wales after Imanol Harinordoquy pulled out, prompting Laporte to give him another chance, insists he is not looking for revenge.

"I did not discuss Bernard's decision, he did not have to justify himself for not making me start the clash. I don't want to take my revenge this weekend, I am not asking for anything, I just want to show my potential," he said.

The Scotland match is a must-win for France, who became the Grand Slam favourites after winning the first three matches over Ireland (35-17), Italy (25-0) and Wales while the hopes of England, the defending champions, suffered when they lost to Ireland on March 6.

On the injury front scrum-half Jean-Baptiste Elissalde, who suffered a serious thigh injury against Wales and has been ruled out the rest of the season, is replaced by Dimitri Yachvili. Doubts remain on substitute Clement Poitrenaud who is suffering with a left thigh injury.

"Clement underwent medical examinations which revealed nothing serious but he will rest until Friday night," said team doctor Thierry Hermerel. "If he feels any pain he will have to leave the squad."

Laporte and team manager Jo Maso could then be forced to call up Brive's Ludovic Valbon or Stade Francais' Stephane Glas who has 35 caps.