Papé was overlooked for the 2007 Rugby World Cup, and under new coach Marc Lièvremont he struggled to hold down a regular place in the starting line-up. He was a member of the squad that won the Grand Slam during the 2010 Six Nations Championship, but made just one appearance during the 2011 Six Nations Championship, and that was off the bench against Wales. However, he was selected as part of the provisional squad for the 2011 Rugby World Cup. Papé's subsequent form saw him elevated into the starting line-up for the games against England, Wales and New Zealand, in which he performed admirably. He was in the starting XV in the 2011 Rugby World Cup Final, which saw the All Blacks win narrowly 8–7.