France bring in 15 extra players ahead of Bok Test
SQUAD UPDATE: France have called up 15 extra players ahead of their Test against South Africa, including a replacement for injured lock Killian Geraci.
Geraci was a late withdrawal from France’s 30-29 win over Australia on Saturday and the French rugby federation on Monday confirmed his removal from the squad due to a knee injury.
Eight of the 15 new players called up to prepare for the match against the world champion Springboks have never played for France.
Toulouse lock Thibaud Flament linked up with Cameron Woki in the second row against Australia after Paul Willemse was also ruled out, because of a thigh injury.
Meanwhile, France head coach Fabien Galthie said wing Damian Penaud’s match-winning try against Australia was “beautiful”.
In a tight affair at the Stade de France, less than 10 months away from the Rugby World Cup, Penaud crossed in the 76th minute to secure Les Bleus’ record 11th straight Test win.
“It’s a beautiful try because we went looking for it,” Galthie told France Televisions.
“The scenario of the match was difficult but at this level nowadays you have to be able to respond to everything.
“The players responded really well, it’s magnificent,” he added.
France squad for Bok Test: Gregory Alldritt, Uini Atonio, Cyril Baille, Alexandre Becognee, Pierre Bourgarit, Bastien Chalureau, Dylan Cretin, Sipili Falatea, Thibaud Flament, Mohamed Haouas, Anthony Jelonch, Jordan Joseph, Thomas Lavault, Sekou Macalou, Julien Marchand, Peato Mauvaka, Charles Ollivon, Remi Picquette, Dany Priso, Yoan Tanga, Romain Taofifenua, Reda Wardi, Cameron Woki, Pierre-Louis Barassi, Leo Berdeu, Pierre Boudehent, Anthony Bouthier, Baptiste Couilloud, Jonathan Danty, Ethan Dumortier, Antoine Dupont, Samuel Ezeala, Gael Fickou, Emilien Gailleton, Matthieu Jalibert, Matthis Lebel, Maxime Lucu, Yoram Moefana, Romain Ntamack, Damian Penaud, Alivereti Raka, Thomas Ramos.
AAP & AFP
