The bruising back-row forward was Sale's stellar performer in their 27-16 Heineken Cup defeat to Stade Francais on Sunday.

Laporte was in the crowd for the Parc des Princes match and he saw Chabal at his terrifying best - powerful in defence, destructive in the loose with ball in hand and the scorer of the Sharks' solitary try.

The former Bourgoin star has not played for his country since winning his 24th cap in the 43-8 victory over Tonga in November last year, and he was overlooked for this years November Tests.

But Laporte has revealed the 29-year-old is back in his thinking, and wants the player to continue performing as he did against Stade.

'On this match, he has put himself back in the list of 40,' said the coach of Les Bleus.

'He showed he can play better and better and his performance has to help his cause.

'On Sunday, he did not lose the ball, he made good passes in contact, he ensured a safe release of the ball and Sale were able to play over the gain line.

'He surprised me. I was very happy with how he played. He put himself about more than usual, with and without the ball.

'The future of Seb in the France team is down only to him.'
Chabal is a crowd favourite at Edgeley Park, as much for for his hirsute, rugged looks as for his swashbuckling style of play.

Laporte is also a fan of the player and is delighted to see him back in form, for Chabal's and the national team's sake.

'I spoke with (Sale director of rugby) Philippe Saint-Andre and Seb after the game,' he added.

'I told him that he had really messed them (Stade) up, but I also told him that I was happy for him and for him alone.

'I like him, he is a fabulous guy and popular in the squad. He knows that and we have a very good relationship.

'When I come to watch him, he doesn't want to have a bad game, and I am happy to see him performing.

'The more candidates there are for the France team, the more satisfied I am. I keep telling the players: It is down to you to win a call-up.'

Laporte, who believes Chabal can play anywhere in the back row, added in L'Equipe: 'I have often talked about the problem with Sebastien.

'If he touches the ball 10 times, if he makes 10 runs, he makes an impression.

'But on the other hand, there have been a lot of times where he walks around, where he isn't efficient for the team.'

Laporte will watch the return fixture between Sale and Stade on Sunday, and he is eager to see if Chabal can turn on the style again.

'I can't wait for the return match on Sunday to see what he does.'