France door shut for Chabal?
March 17 2008
Sebastien Chabal's days as a France international could be over after head coach Marc Lièvremont indicated the Sale number eight's style of play does not suit Les Bleus' new-look side.
Chabal, who was a member of France's World Cup squad last year, was not called upon by Lièvremont for this season's Six Nations Championship campaign.
And there may be no way back for the rampaging 30-year-old, with Lièvremont unimpressed by the French idol's efforts.
"Chabal has been performing in his own way, a way which clearly isn't how we see the game," he said.
However, the international future of fly-half Frédérick Michalak, another player who did not feature in the Six Nations, looks to be more secure.
Michalak moved to South Africa after the World Cup to play for the Sharks, and has impressed in his short time in the southern hemisphere.
He could be recalled for France's two-Test tour of Australia in June with Lièvremont expressing an interest in the former Toulouse man.
"I can envisage it, of course. It is even probable," he said.
"He will be in prime form at the end of the Super 14 season with the Sharks, and he can bring a lot to us.
"He is a brilliant player and like all brilliant players, we are interested in him."