Michalak back in French frame
France have called up Frederic Michalak and Fulgence Ouedraogo for next weekend’s Test against Tonga.
The duo were named in a 30-man squad by coach Philippe Saint-Andre after France pushed the All Blacks to the limit in their 19-26 loss in Paris on Saturday.
Michalak replaces Camille Lopez while loose forward Ouedraogo comes in for centre Maxime Mermoz. The rest of the squad remains the same.
"Frederic Michalak replaces Camille Lopez, who has to appear before the [French league's] disciplinary commission on Wednesday and we cannot prepare for the game with only one flyhalf," Saint-Andre said on Sunday.
Saint-Andre said France paid the price for failing to covert their try-scoring opportunities against the world champions.
"Statistics say they must be the best team in the history of rugby. They are very clever; very, very intelligent. We were close to the line so many times, then they get two opportunities and score two tries. Obviously we're disappointed because, particularly in the first half, there were opportunities there."
