Bastareaud back for France

France have recalled centre Mathieu Bastareaud and retained Pascal Pape as captain for the upcoming RBS Six Nations Championships.

Pape keeps the captaincy despite the return of Toulouse flanker Theirry Dusautoir, who led the side prior to being rested for France's November internationals.

The Stade Francais lock, capped 45 times for his country, led France to victories over Australia, Argentina and Samoa in the autumn.

Toulon centre Bastareaud returns to the squad having been out of favour since France's win against England in the competition in March 2010.

Perpignan lock Romain Taofifeuna is the only uncapped player to be called up as coach Philippe Saint-Andre largely sticks with the players who impressed in the autumn.

The 33-man squad will be cut to 23 players on January 28 with France playing their Six Nations opener against Italy in Rome on February 3.

France squad - Forwards: Vincent Debaty, Thomas Domingo, Yannick Forestier, Benjamin Kayser, Guilhem Guirado, Dimitri Szarzewski, David Attoub, Luc Ducalcon, Nicolas Mas, Yoann Maestri, Pascal Pap?cap), Jocelino Suta, Romain Taofifenua, Damien Chouly, Thierry Dusautoir, Wenceslas Lauret, Yannick Nyanga, Fulgence Ouedraogo, Louis Picamoles. Backs: Maxime Machenaud, Morgan Parra, Fr?ric Michalak, Fran?s Trinh-Duc, Mathieu Bastareaud, Jean Marcellin Buttin, Vincent Clerc, Brice Dulin, Benjamin Fall, Ga?Fickou, Wesley Fofana, Florian Fritz, Yoann Huget, Maxime Mermoz.