All Black hopes that France will be without frontline star are dashed

France and Bordeaux-Begles centre Yoram Moefana should be available for all of his country’s internationals in November despite receiving a three-week ban for a red card against La Rochelle recently.

The 24-year-old was sent off for a dangerous tackle on fellow French international Jonathan Danty during October 20’s Top 14 encounter at Stade Marcel-Deflandre. The incident occurred at the 34th minute and referee Tual Trainini ultimately issued a red card after reviewing video footage.

The Ligue Nationale Rugby announced on Thursday that the 28-cap France international had initially received a six-week ban for dangerous play, which was halved.

England coach Steve Borthwick on the importance of winning close matches

Steve Borthwick on what he learned from the narrow defeats to New Zealand in the summer.

England coach Steve Borthwick on the importance of winning close matches

Steve Borthwick on what he learned from the narrow defeats to New Zealand in the summer.

A statement reads (translated on Google): “After taking into account mitigating circumstances (expression of remorse, recognition of
guilt, clean disciplinary record, youth and inexperience and conduct before and during the hearing), the sanction was reduced by 3 weeks.”

The centre is eligible for tackle school, which would reduce his ban by a further week and therefore allow him to partake in all of Les Bleus’ Autumn Nations Series encounters, which begin with a visit from Japan at the Stade de France on November 10, followed by the All Blacks and Argentina.

Fixture

Internationals

France

15:10

9 Nov 24

Japan

All Stats and Data

Both Moefana and Danty were part of France’s 42-man squad that trained this week at France’s base in Marcoussis, although they were part of the 19-strong contingent that were released back to their clubs this weekend, although Moefana will of course be unable to play in Bordeaux’s clash with ASM Clermont Auvergne.

This verdict will be a boost for head coach Fabien Galthie, who will want as many players as possible at his disposal when France host the All Blacks on November 16, just over a year after the opening match of the World Cup. Moefana started at inside centre in Paris last September as France began their tournament with a 27-13 win over New Zealand.