Some key players could be rested, such as captain and lock Fabien Pelous, who has injured his right knee, and flanker Serge Betsen.

But the national team staff, who gathered on Thursday, are waiting to see how the players come through the end of the season, in terms of both form and fitness, before unveiling the list on June 1.

''The list will depend on the end of season and how the players do with their respective clubs,'' said Maso.

''The priority is to line up a competitive team.''

Les Bleus will fly to South Africa on June 12 for two Test matches against the Springboks, on June 18 in Durban and on June 25 in Port-Elizabeth.

They will then go to Australia to face the Wallabies on July 2 in Brisbane.

France finished second in the 2005 RBS 6 Nations after suffering a single defeat to Wales, the eventual Grand Slam winners.