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Eddie Butler: 'Frederic Michalak becomes France fly-half'

Frederic Michalak's display against England will be enough for him to become first-choice fly-half for France, says Eddie Butler.

Former Wales forward Eddie Butler has suggested that Frederic Michalak has become France's first-choice fly-half after they beat England 25-20 in Paris.

The 32-year-old set up Yoann Huget's try after the break, and kicked five penalties as the former finallists laid down a marker ahead of the tournament, which starts next month.

Butler wrote in The Guardian: "Frederic Michalak proved that, 14 years after first playing for his country, he has learnt how to control a game. He played with intelligence and yet with daring, with serious application but also with cheek.

"Of course, it was easier for him behind a pack that won all the big collisions, but the problem of the 10 shirt has dogged France for so long that to have found an answer in flaky Freddy was reward enough on this night."

France are in Pool D, along with Six Nations rivals Ireland and Italy.

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