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Moefana scuppers Test chances after incident with France teammate
By Ian Cameron
Yoram Moefana’s hopes of joining the France squad for the upcoming Autumn Nations Series are in doubt following a red card received during Bordeaux’s match against La Rochelle.
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The Bordeaux centre was sent off for a dangerous tackle on fellow French international Jonathan Danty during Sunday evening’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.
Moefana had made a critical tackle on Danty earlier in the match and appeared to drive his opponent out of bounds once more. However, his second tackle made head contact as he failed to lower his body position and Trainini adjudged that there were no mitigating factors – leading to the red.
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Bordeaux’s coach Yannick Bru conceded after the game: “It is indisputable… Yoram puts intensity into his tackle, but he has to duck down.”
Despite a spirited second-half performance from Bordeaux, who scored three tries with only 14 players on the field, La Rochelle secured a 25-19 victory.
It was the first red of Moefana’s career and raises real uncertainty over his availability for France’s November fixtures against Japan and New Zealand. With a disciplinary hearing on the way, he faces a potential suspension ranging from two to six weeks.
Head coach Fabien Galthié is set to announce the 42-man squad on Wednesday, and Moefana’s inclusion now looks unlikely.
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“We do not blame him… he is a driving force in our rugby,” Bru said. “It’s hard for him… I’m disappointed for him, he’s a good guy.”
Moefana has been a key figure for Bordeaux Begles in recent seasons, making 87 appearances with 74 starts, scoring 13 tries. Prior to Bordeaux, he briefly played for Colomiers. Moefana has earned 28 caps for France, starting 17 times and scoring four tries.
He featured in six games for France U20s.
