The 32-year-old, who has 80 caps, has not played for the national team since last November when an elbow injury sustained against the All Blacks forced him out of action for several weeks.

Now, having been named in Bernard Laportes starting line-up for Saturdays clash, Magne is eager to send out a reminder of what France have been missing in his absence.

I feel full of enthusiasm and energy, said Magne in L'Equipe, I feel very fresh mentally, fit physically and I want to prove to Bernard that he did well by calling me up.

I don't ask myself any questions, I am serene and very far from all that negative pressure which spoilt my season.

France, who finished second behind winners Wales at the 2005 RBS 6 Nations, are full of expectations ahead of the clash although their record against the Springboks is not fantastic.

In their last 17 matches, France have won just five, including their last encounter in 2002.

Magne added: ''We must prepare well mentally and expect a big fight before thinking about imposing our offensive game.

Toulouse scrum-half Jean-Baptiste Elissalde has been given the role of captain for the first time in his career as Dimitri Yachvili - Fabien Pelous' official replacement for the tour - is being rested after winning the Top 16 with Biarritz last weekend.

Lock Romain Millo-Chluski, centre Florian Fritz and Julien Candelon will all make their international debuts.