An update on the three XV de France players who trained separately in Marcoussis on Tuesday, ahead of their clash with the New Zealanders on Saturday.
Two bits of good news, one bit of bad. Three French national team players trained separately on Tuesdayin Marcoussis, just a few days ahead of Saturday’s clash with New Zealand at the Stade de France. Not least Antoine Dupont. No worries for the Olympic champion, “slightly ill yesterday (Monday), so a gradual recovery”. for him. “He wanted to train but we preferred to wait until tomorrow (Wednesday). He’ll train as normal”.said William Servat on Tuesday.
As for Thibaud Flament, victim of a blow to the iliac crest last Saturday against the Brave Blossoms (51-12)we knew that the Toulouse second row had undergone reassuring tests on Sunday. The reason he worked away from the group on Tuesday was “just a precaution. He will train normally (Wednesday)”.assured Servat.
Atonio fit for final test against Argentina
Last but not least, and this is the bad news, the experienced Uini Atonio (34, 62 caps) was tipped to make his return at right-back against the All Blacks, after his calf strain. It’s not to be. “Uini has had a few minor setbacks with his calf in recent weeks. We didn’t want to take any risks. He won’t be able to apply until next week. (Friday 22nd, at the Stade de France, NDLR) against Argentina”.explained the assistant coach in charge of the forwards.