Weight loss key to Machenaud rejuvenation
The 27-year-old Racing 92 half-back looks likely to get the nod to start at No.9 for Les Bleus against Scotland in the Six Nations at Murrayfield on Sunday.
Machenaud says he's lost 8kg since going on tour with France to Australia in June 2014, after which he fell out of favour with then-coach Philippe Saint-Andre.
But rejuvenated under Guy Noves, Machenaud says his new streamline 81kg frame leaves him more mobile to get around the field from one breakdown to another.
"My game has developed. You always look to progress and maybe I'd lost that mobility, the ability to get around the pitch," said Machenaud, who hopes to earn a 22nd France cap on Sunday.
"I've rediscovered it without, it seems to me, having lost strength."
Machenaud started on the bench in France's first two Six Nations matches, victories at home to Italy (23-21) and Ireland (10-9) before replacing Sebastien Bezy for the 10-19 defeat in Wales 10 days ago.
"I'm not going to say that I was first choice, merely that I started a match," added Machenaud.
Agence France-Presse
