THE FRENCH selectors last night made peace with the senior players left out of the Autumn series against New Zealand for returning late from playing in South Africa by restoring them to the team to face England in Paris a week tomorrow.

But the return of Thierry Lacroix at stand off and Olivier Roumat and Laurent Cabannes in the pack was offset by the exclusion of the prop, Laurent Benezech, who led a players' revolt about the treatment of his comrades and has now been dropped for his trouble. The two things may not be unconnected.

Such are the Byzantine ways of French rugby, though, the side is significantly beefed up by the "South African three", who are among five changes from the team for both Tests - one won, one lost - against the All Blacks. Fit again, Jean Michel Gonzales replaces Marc de Rougemont at hooker alongside France's one new cap, the 26 year old Toulonnais Michael Perie.

Lacroix's choice instead of Alain Penaud enables France to continue with their 20 year old centres, Richard Dourthe and Thomas Castaignede, and there is a reshuffle in the back row with Philippe Benetton injured and Alain Carminati dropped, Fabien Pelous moving to number eight from lock and Abdel Benazzi to blind side from number eight.

A number of this side will be familiar to those who marvelled at the Cardiff Toulouse European Cup final last Sunday, not least Castaignede but also Emile Ntamack, Christian Califano and the intriguing scrum half Philippe Carbonneau, a contentious choice given that he plays in the centre alongside Castaignede for the French champions.

. Ireland international Mark McCall will play his rugby next season with Dungannon. McCall, who has won three caps, has played for Bangor throughout his career and he captained the club last season.

McCall, who has played at both centre and outside half for Ulster, filled the out half berth for the province in this season's Interprovincial Championship and European Cup. The 28 year old leaves Bangor, a club to which he has rendered great service, with regret.

His decision is prompted by a desire to further his representative career. Dungannon are among the favourites to gain promotion to division one of the All Ireland League. Bangor, relegated last season, are in the third division with no realistic hope of promotion this season.

Bangor fully understand his decision and have expressed their thanks for his outstanding service over the years.