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Ireland won't have injury-hit Teddy Thomas to worry about next Saturday
A hamstring injury has ruled France winger Teddy Thomas out of next Saturday’s Six Nations title finale with Ireland. The 27-year-old, who was omitted for last year’s World Cup in Japan, made his third appearance in Fabien Galthie’s five-match reign in the 38-21 friendly win over Wales, Thomas scoring the 72nd minute try that put the game to bed.
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However, he has since pulled up lame at the start of France’s preparations to play Ireland and has been replaced in the squad by Matthieu Jalibert. The seriousness of Thomas’ injury wasn’t specified in the France team media release.
“Following Teddy Thomas’ withdrawal, management have called Matthieu Jalibert into the squad selected to face Ireland on the final day of the Six Nations,” read the FFR statement.
“Following a hamstring injury Teddy Thomas (20 caps, Racing 92) is unavailable for a period to be determined. He is replaced by Matthieu Jalibert (5 selections, Union Bordeaux).”
The injury is the latest setback to hit Thomas this month as he was left out of the Racing 23 for their Champions Cup final loss to Exeter at Bristol on October 17.
Jalibert had initially been included in Galthie’s Test window squad but pulled out due to an injury he has now recovered from. France have other injury concerns, ruling out uncapped Selevasio Tolofua and playing a waiting game regarding the availability of Anthony Bouthier.
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“Selevasio Tolofua (0 caps, Toulouse) had to give up his place in the 31-man squad. He is replaced by Anthony Jelonch (2 caps, Castres Olympique),” continued the FFR statement.
“In addition, following a suspected concussion from the France-Wales match, Anthony Bouthier (5 caps, Montpellier) will make a gradual return to rugby this week, with a return to training hoped for at the end of the week.”
Everything you need to know ahead of the latest 'Super Saturday' finale ???????????????????????????https://t.co/HmbZd9q3lK
— RugbyPass (@RugbyPass) October 27, 2020
