Captain Thierry Dusautoir is set to lead France against the All Blacks in Paris after being named in a 30-strong squad for three Tests in November.

There are three uncapped players in the squad to prepare for Tests against New Zealand (November 9), Tonga (November 16) and South Africa (November 23).

Coach Philippe Saint-Andre says he is confident 31-year-old flanker Dusautoir will be fit to face the All Blacks after a lengthy period sidelined by a sprained knee ligaments.

“Thierry Dusautoir will be our captain if he is 100 per cent fit and the latest news about him is reassuring. From what we know, he has made a good recovery,” he said.

Lock Pascal Pape, who led France in the November home Tests last year in 2011 World player of the year Dusautoir’s absence, has been named vice-captain.

The three new faces are prop Rabah Slimani and flanker Bernard Leroux, who both play for Stade Francais, along with Perpignan fullback Sofiane Guitoune.

Veteran five-eighth Frederic Michalak was not included, having battled a shoulder injury suffered during the 30-0 loss to the All Blacks at Christchurch in June.

The match was the low point of a disappointing year to date for France.

They finished last in the Six Nations for the first time since the tournament was expanded 13 years ago, and were swept 3-0 by the All Blacks on their tour in June.

France squad:

Backs: Jean-Marc Doussain, Maxime Machenaud, Morgan Parra, Camille Lopez, Remi Tales, Mathieu Bastareaud, Gael Fickou, Wesley Fofana, Florian Fritz, Maxime Mermoz, Maxime Medard, Sofiane Guitoune, Brice Dulin, Yoann Huget.

Forwards: Thomas Domingo, Yannick Forestier, Benjamin Kayser, Dimitri Szarzewski, Nicolas Mas, Rabah Slimani, Alexandre Flanquart, Pascal Pape, Sebastien Vahaamahina, Thierry Dusautoir, Bernard Leroux, Yannick Nyanga, Fulgence Ouedraogo, Damien Chouly, Louis Picamoles.