French suffer huge pack blow
INJURY UPDATE: French hooker Julien Marchand tore knee ligaments after coming on in the second half of the Six Nations loss to Wales and will miss the rest of the season, coach Jacques Brunel revealed.
Marchand, who replaced captain Guilhem Guirado in the 58th minute, “will return to Toulouse this evening and see a surgeon,” said Brunel.
Marchand suffered the injury in the final seconds of the match as France, having thrown away a 16-point and trailing 24-19, tried desperately to rescue a result.
The injury is a blow not only for France but for Top 14 leaders Toulouse, where Marchand is the captain. It could also put paid to his chances of playing in the World Cup which starts in Japan on September 20.
Centre Wesley Fofana (thigh), prop Uini Atonio (knee) and three-quarter Damian Penaud were also hurt on Friday night and are all doubts for the game against England on February 10.
Agence France-Presse
In other news:
