France readjust pack for Boks

SQUAD UPDATE: France coach Jacques Brunel’s priority might be the search for a consistent halfback partnership, however, the coach has been forced to switch his pack.

An injury to La Rochelle prop Uini Atonio has made way for Clermont’s Rabah Slimani, the French rugby federation (FFR).

Atonio had been expected to join up with France’s squad at their Marcoussis training base ahead of next month’s games against South African, Argentina and Fiji.

But after scans revealed the extent of a knee injury on Monday, Atonio was forced to pull out.

🔴 Après la journée de championnat avec son club et suite à des examens médicaux complémentaires pratiqués hier sur son genoux, @a_wingi (@staderochelais) est forfait pour la tournée d’automne. Il est remplacé par Rabah Slimani (@ASMOfficiel) dans le groupe France. #NeFaisonsXV pic.twitter.com/ZbkNiv7opA

— FF Rugby (@FFRugby) October 30, 2018

“After Sunday’s game with his club and following scans on his knee, Uini Atonio is sidelined for the November tests,” an FFR statement said on Twitter.

“He has been replaced in the squad by Rabah Slimani.”

France play South Africa on November 10, Argentina a week later and Fiji on November 24.

Agence France-Presse