Edinburgh (AFP)
French opener Camille Lopez, replaced at the end of the first period on Saturday in Edinburgh against Scotland (17-14 loss), received a "stroke at the ribs" that makes uncertain his participation in the final match of preparation at the World Cup, said coach Jacques Brunel.
"He got a shot at the ribs that prevented him from running normally, it was better to replace him.We will see how it will be in the week for the next weekend (August 30 against Italy at the Stade de France), but for the competition there are no problems, "said Brunel.
The center Wesley Fofana, holder last Saturday against the Scots in Nice (32-3) before declaring forfeit Friday because of a contracture with a thigh, will pass him exams Monday which will say more about its duration of unavailability.
Brunel also hoped to be able to count against Italy on scrum half Maxime Machenaud and third line Wenceslas Lauret, absent on injury to a thigh in the first two meetings.
Only the pillar Demba Bamba, still convalescent after his cervical surgery, is certain to play no minute before the World Cup in Japan (20 September-2 November), said Brunel.
Finally, the center or opener Anthony Belleau, back or winger Vincent Rattez and the center Virimi Vakatawa (arrived in preparation to replace Geoffrey Doumayrou), as well as winger Yoann Huget, the other players not to have disputed the minute, "will be on the score sheet" Friday at the Stade de France, according to Brunel.
© 2019 AFP