Élissalde bounced back from this disappointment with a strong showing in the 2004 Six Nations, making his first international start against Ireland at scrum-half (pairing with his club-mate Frédéric Michalak at fly-half) and scoring 36 points in his three starts, including a 24-point haul against Wales, to help France claim their second Grand Slam in three years. The 2006 Six Nations was also successful for both Élissalde and France with a Championship success and despite being unable to participate in the 2007 Six Nations due to injury, Élissalde was finally established ahead of Dimitri Yachvili in the French squad.