He was due to equal Philippe Sella's record of 111 caps for France in the opener of the 2007 Six Nations against , but was ruled out of the side due to an ankle injury. After he missed their second Six Nations tie against , he was ruled out of the entire Six Nations. After his injury troubles continued, hooker Raphaël Ibañez, who had filled in for him as captain during the 2007 Six Nations, was named as France captain for the 2007 Rugby World Cup, with Pelous as unofficial vice-captain. He finally earned his record-equalling 111th cap on 11 August 2007 at Twickenham against , and took the record by himself a week later in "Les Bleus"' return match against England at Marseille.