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France suffer double injury blow ahead of All Blacks clash
By Josh Raisey
France will be without flanker Francois Cros and winger Damian Penaud for their clash with the All Blacks on Saturday.
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Toulouse back-row Cros was replaced at half-time of France’s 52-12 victory over Japan on Saturday due to a head injury, and has now been ruled out of the rematch of the opening game of the World Cup last year.
Bordeaux-Begles’ Penaud was originally scheduled to start on the right wing against the Brave Blossoms, but had to withdraw due to an illness and was replaced by Pau’s 19-year-old Theo Attissogbe. The 28-year-old has failed to recover from the illness, and will therefore miss the match at the Stade de France.
France have confirmed that no other players have been called into the 42-man squad as replacements, as it is likely that both Cros and Penaud will be available for Les Bleus’ final match of the Autumn Nations Series against Argentina.
The All Blacks have already seen a flanker and wing withdraw from the squad ahead of the match, with Sam Cane suffering a concussion in the win over Ireland and Mark Tele’a picking up a hand injury. Lock Sam Darry has also sustained an MCL injury.
The All Blacks XV trio of Fabian Holland, Du’Plessis Kirifi and Chay Fihaki have been called up in their place by Scott Robertson.
France currently boast a two-match winning streak over the All Blacks, but the visitors will be buoyed by victories over England and then-world number ones Ireland so far in November, consigning Andy Farrell’s side to third in the rankings.
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Both Penaud and Tele’a were try scorers when France beat the All Blacks 27-13 in the World Cup curtain-raiser last year, with the Kiwi being crowned World Rugby breakthrough player of the year just weeks later. The 27-year-old scored two tries in the victory over England at Twickenham’s Allianz Stadium, and will be keenly missed in the All Blacks’ back division.
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Whichever way this goes it will be mighty close. Home advantage for France could be offset by NZ seeking a clean sweep and making minimal mistakes.
Cros can be replaced, Penaud a little less so, but France have a handful of competent test-level wingers.
Baille, Mauvaka, Aldritt, Dupont, Fickou, Ramos (now when Jaminet disqualified himself through stupidity). Those guys are head and shoulders above their 2nd options. The rest of the team can be replaced without much fuss, given the luxurious depth of French rugby.
It should still be France’s game to lose.
Flament and Atonio as well, and the latter is reported injured.