The 23-year-old celebrated his 14th cap in style at the Stade de France, scoring a try as well as slotting four penalties and a conversion in Les Bleus' 24-21 RBS 6 Nations win over the world champions.

The victory was all the more significant for Yachvili, whose father, Michel, helped win the first Grand Slam of French rugby history in 1968.

"This is a great joy for me, this will remain in our memories for ever," said Yachvili.

"My father won it in 1968 and I know that this is hard to forget the first time.

"We are a proud family. From the first Grand Slam we won to the latest, there was a Yachvili on the scoresheet."

Since his first cap with France in November 2002 Yachvili has lived in the shadow of inspirational captain Fabien Galthie.

The former Stade Francais player retired after the Australian World Cup and Yachvili emerged as the ideal candidate to replace him for the 2004 RBS 6 Nations.

Then a lapse of form and the emergence of new star Jean-Baptiste Elissalde prompted Laporte to start the Stade Toulousain half-back instead of Yachvili in the tournament's first three wins over Ireland, Italy and Wales.

But Elissalde's serious thigh injury in the last minutes of their game against Wales signalled the return of Yachvili, who performed superbly in the 31-0 win over Scotland at Murrayfield.

"It is true that I did not play the first three matches," Yachvili recalls.

"That's why I had to do well on Saturday. Without willing to get my revenge I had to show that I have my place within this great France team."