Planet Rugby understands that France will be without Toulouse flanker Francois Cros due to concussion for their Rugby World Cup rematch against the All Blacks.
With France experimenting with their back-row this November, dropping their talisman Charles Ollivon as they look to refresh their stocks ahead of the 2027 Rugby World Cup, the loss of Cros, a key man and their enforcer at the breakdown, is a harsh blow.
The Toulouse star has been one of the standout players in Europe over the last 12 months and without his clearing and defensive work in the second half against Japan, France struggled for quick ball.
Fabian Galthie is believed to have told Ollivon that his workrate has fallen below the level expected but the Toulon star is expected to feature on the bench.
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What France will do?
France will ring the changes in their back-row, where they play in a left and right configuration rather than openside and blindside. Paul Boudenhet is set to replace Cros on the right flank with Alexandre Roumat retaining his place on the left flank, but neither player offers the breakdown presence of the Toulouse vice-captain.
It is also believed that Bordeaux-Begles fly-half Matthieu Jalibert is set to start with Thomas Ramos moving to full-back and talented youngster Leo Barre shifted to the replacement bench in order to retain Ramos’ goal-kicking ability. However, L’Equipe are reporting that Romain Buros will be given a run at number 15.
It is understood that Toulon’s Gabin Villière could make a comeback on the wing in Damian Penaud’s absence and with an injury cloud also surrounding Pau wing Theo Attissogbe, who suffered a knee sprain against Japan.
Not just France with injuries
New Zealand have suffered two injuries of their own with veteran Sam Cane out of the Stade de France battle due to a serious cut. This could well signal an early end to his Test career as Cane is heading to Japan next year and will be unavailable for selection. He will be desperate to get one last outing against Italy if his injury allows.
Joining Cane on the sidelines is the elusive Mark Tele’a, who has been sensational on tour so far and unfortunately misses out due to a hand injury picked up in the All Blacks’ win over Ireland last time out.
Red-hot Du’Plessis Kirifi joins the squad as injury cover as does Chay Fihaki and Fabian Holland. Meanwhile, Scott Barrett and Codie Taylor should return in time for the France Test.
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