Thomas Castaignede will make a dramatic comeback for France against South Africa on Saturday, two years after his brilliant career was interrupted by an Achilles tendon injury.
Before his place in the side was confirmed he was taken to hospital yesterday for a scan to make sure he had fully recovered from injury. "We wanted to make sure that there was no further trouble between Saracens and the French federation," said the France manager Jo Maso.
Saracens are close to reaching a financial settlement with the French Rugby Federation over the six-figure bill incurred for Castaignede's medical care and wages.
His career came to a halt on November 4th, 2000 when he snapped an Achilles tendon 15 minutes before the kick-off of a match against world champions Australia at the Stade de France.
He needed four operations and 18 months to recover, making his return for Saracens on May 12th.
Apart from Castaignede's return, the line-up shows only one major change from the team which beat Ireland in France's Grand Slam winning-game in April.
Outhalf Francois Gelez, capped three times, has been selected ahead of out-of-form Gerald Merceron and will be in charge of the goalkicking. Merceron will be on the bench. Injured wingers Aurelien Rougerie and David Bory have been replaced by Cedric Heymans and Vincent Clerc.
