Ibanez - fantastic career. (Allsport)
RAPHAEL IBANEZ
Ibanez has enjoyed a remarkable career since his making his debut against Wales in 1996.
He was named captain only 12 months later and led France to back-to-back Grand Slams in 1997 and 1998.
Despite a disastrous Five Nations a year later, Ibanez was still at the helm to lead his side to an incredible 1999 World Cup semi-final victory over tournament favourites New Zealand to take Les Bleus to their second World Cup final.
Incredibly within a year he had been unceremoniously stripped of the captaincy and dropped as first choice hooker in place of veteran Marc dal Maso.
Just one Test appearance followed in 2000 only for Ibanez to roar back in 2001 - and in 2002 he had a key role as France swept to Six Nations glory.
He briefly regained the captaincy too as injury and suspenstion ruled out incumbent Fabien Galthie and Olivier Magne and is the type of experienced player any coach craves in his front three.
