The Biarritz star impressed during Les Bleus' 36-26 victory over South Africa in Cape Town on Saturday, their 10th win in 11 matches since November 2005.

Traille, who usually plays at centre, was switched to number 10 and proved more convincing than ever as he scored one of four French tries.

This prompted Laporte to highlight him as one of his best internationals in that position, along with Frederic Michalak and Benjamin Boyet.

''For me now there are three number 10s - Frederic Michalak, Damien Traille and Benjamin Boyet,'' said Laporte.

''I am not ranking them in that special order on purpose. Benjamin Boyet is still part of our priorities and we will test him again during our autumn Test matches.

''But what Damien Traille achieved in Cape Town is enormous.

''He has definitely imposed himself as a great fly-half and Frederic and Benjamin will have to live up to expectations.''

For team manager Jo Maso, Michalak - who missed out on the summer tour with a left arm injury - still remains the number-one fly-half but he is delighted with the qualities of both he and Traille.

''It is reassuring to know that behind Frederic Michalak, we can count on the qualities of Damien Traille,'' said Maso.

''He's been good in most areas of the game, that is to say in attack and in the kicking game, but he also struggled at times in defence. But he scored a fantastic try.''

Meanwhile Traille, who has experienced a successful end to the season after also winning the Top 14 with his club, admitted he enjoyed the responsibilities he was given as number 10.

''We tried to play as simply as possible against the Springboks and to overcome their defence,'' he explained.

''I really would like to play as a number 10 more often. I enjoy playing in this position where I have to take the initiative.''

France's next international games will take place during the autumn against New Zealand and Argentina.