Anthony Jelonch confounding surgeon with recovery

France coach Fabien Galthie believes Toulouse flanker Anthony Jelonch could still make the Rugby World Cup after confounding surgeons with his speedy recovery from knee surgery.

Jelonch ruptured his cruciate ligament on February 26 against Scotland and is in a race against time as Galthie will name his initial 42 strong French squad on June 21.

When asked by RugbyRama about Jelonch, Galthie said: “He weighs 106 kilos at the moment. I said, “You’re solid!” because I thought he was stronger than usual. He follows a rehabilitation program that is appropriate. Everything is going very well.

“He (Jelonch) is one of those exceptional players who have an extraordinary ability to recover. The surgeon does not understand what is happening with Anthony Jelonch. I also have a thought for the players who are in the recovery phase, those who are still injured, perhaps less spectacularly than Anthony, whose context we all remember. We support all the players.”

The flanker, who has won 25 caps, underwent surgery on March 6 and is confident of making it back to play some part in the team’s pre-World Cup schedule with the tournament kicking off with France against New Zealand on September 8.

Galthie has confirmed Jelonch would be considered even if he cannot take part in the summer training camps being organised for the French players. Galthie said: “The periods in Monaco, Marcoussis and then Capbreton leave us the possibility of changing the 42 players.”