Paris (AFP)
Back home: the XV of France players found Monday the ground of the National Rugby Center Marcoussis (Essonne) more than a month after leaving, to start a week reduced before their last match of preparation for the World Cup Friday against Italy at the Stade de France.
Far from the eyes, probably away from the heart ... The Blues had not trod on the CNR since July 17 and their departure for Cap-d'Ail (Alpes-Maritimes), an internship followed by two others, on the Valencia coast in Spain and Nice. Where, on the way of Japan (20 of September-2 of November) faced August 17, Scotland (32-3), that found on Saturday in Edinburgh (defeated 17-14).
Back from Scotland on Sunday, they returned to training on Monday. According to coaching, all players were present, including opener Camille Lopez, hit the coast at Murrayfield, and center Wesley Fofana, package Saturday after feeling a contraction on one leg.
The staff could however opt for caution for these two incumbents and not put them on the score sheet Friday.
However, the third line Wenceslas Lauret (thigh), scrum half Maxime Machenaud (thigh) and winger Yoann Huget (Achilles tendon), disabled by physical problems until last week, are restored and should play their first minutes on Friday.
Before this last preparation match, the 37 Blues will be entitled to only one day of sustained training: Tuesday, with a session "continuous" from 8h to 13h, then one last in the afternoon, after the nap.
The second line Paul Gabrillagues will be in London to try to convince the Disciplinary Committee to reduce appeal its suspension of six weeks, which could deprive him of World Cup.
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