Attoub the French bolter
Stade Francais prop David Attoub was the surprise inclusion in the 23-man squad announced by French coach Philippe Saint-Andre on Thursday, ahead of the Six Nations opener with Italy at Stade de France on February 4.
Attoub, 30, was not among the 30 players who attended a training camp in Marcoussis this week.
His only previous international appearance came in 2006 against Romania, but his selection comes at the expense of World Cup squad members Fabien Barcella and Luc Ducalcon.
“When we made the list of 30, I said that it was possible that a player not on the list [could be selected],” said Saint-Andre.
“Since the announcement, Luc Ducalcon has only played 25 minutes with his club [Castres]. We wanted to take David Attoub, who has been starting for Stade Francais since the start of the season.
“Stade Francais are having a good season, their scrum is good and we know about the Italians’ strength in the scrum.”
Clermont second row forward Julien Pierre, Montpellier back row forward Fulgence Ouedraogo, Toulouse back row forward Yannick Nyanga, Toulouse centre Yann David, Toulon wing/fullback Alexis Palisson and Toulouse fullback Clement Poitrenaud were the other players who failed to make the cut from the initial 30-man squad.
Sixteen of the 23 players selected participated at last year’s World Cup, while 14 of the 15 players who started in the final defeat by hosts New Zealand were included.
Saint-Andre will reveal his starting line-up to face Italy on Tuesday.
French squad:
Forwards: Nicolas Mas (Perpignan), David Attoub (Stade Francais), Vincent Debaty (Clermont), Jean-Baptiste Poux (Toulouse), William Servat (Toulouse), Dimitri Szarzewski (Stade Francais), Pascal Pape (Stade Francais), Lionel Nallet (Racing-Metro), Yoann Maestri (Toulouse), Thierry Dusautoir (Toulouse, capt), Julien Bonnaire (Clermont), Imanol Harinordoquy (Biarritz), Louis Picamoles (Toulouse).
Backs: Morgan Parra (Clermont), Dimitri Yachvili (Biarritz), Francois Trinh-Duc (Montpellier), Lionel Beauxis (Toulouse), Maxime Mermoz (Perpignan), Aurelien Rougerie (Clermont), Wesley Fofana (Clermont), Vincent Clerc (Toulouse), Julien Malzieu (Clermont), Maxime Medard (Toulouse).
Date: Saturday, February 4
Venue: Stade de France, Paris
Kick-off: 15.30 (14.30 GMT)
Referee: Nigel Owens
AFP
