XV of France: "We all have a place to play," admits Lauret

Marcoussis (France) (AFP)

"We all have a place to play to go to Japan," admitted Tuesday the third line of the XV of France Wenceslas Lauret, who will play big Friday against Italy, the last preparation match of the Blues before the World Cup (September 20 - November 2).

"When we are injured, we fall behind," said Marcoussis the player of Racing 92, who was unable to apply in both games against Scotland (32-3 win in Nice then 17-14 defeat in Edinburgh ) because of a slight injury to a thigh.

"The others are already in place, have played, proved, made beautiful benefits ... We, we must hang on to the wagon, show that we come back well, that we are strong and powerful", has-it- he added about his personal case but also that of Yacouba Camara and Louis Picamoles, other holders Friday in the third line.

Also slowed by physical glitches, the two Montpellier were only substitutes on the first of the two matches against the XV thistle. Against which Grégory Alldritt, Charles Ollivon and François Cros, in their post, shined in Nice.

However, Ollivon and Cros are on the list of six reservists and therefore threaten Lauret, Camara and Picamoles for a place in the final list of 31 players, unveiled Monday by the coach Jacques Brunel.

"We are expected because we lost in Scotland and because we did not play much," admitted Lauret about the trio. "We all have a place to play to go to Japan."

"Of course, we all think about it," added the flanker. "From the beginning, it was clear that there are six who will stay home.It's hard when we are not (on the score sheet, ed), everyone is doing the necessary and works It's hard to be in. For now, we're all together, we'll see what the selection will say. "

Competition within the Blues is "healthy", however, said Lauret. "We are here to help each other in the field," he said.

© 2019 AFP