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France midfielder Danty in doubt for All Blacks
By Ben Smith
France have been dealt another blow before their Rugby World Cup begins with star midfielder Jonathan Danty in doubt for the opener against the All Blacks in eight days time.
After losing star flyhalf Romain Ntamack for the entire tournament, Danty aggravated his hamstring in the 41-10 win over Australia in the last warm-up match.
L'Equipe reported on Wednesday that the inside centre has been scratched but another French publication RugbyRama says the decision has not been final, with Galthie still considering playing Danty against the All Blacks.
The powerful runner will be monitored by France's medical staff and a decision will be made closer to game day according to their report.
The initial diagnosis was for two weeks on the sidelines, which would slate Danty's return for the second pool match against Uruguay.
Danty has 23 caps for France and has formed a midfield pairing with Gael Fickou since the abrupt retirement of Virimi Vakatawa.
The pair have 12 outings together and started against the All Blacks in the 40-25 win the last time the two sides met.
If he is unavailable to play New Zealand, 23-year-old Yoram Moefana may get the nod. The Bordeaux midfielder has played 61 times in the midfield for his club with 38 of them in the No 12 jersey.
Montpellier centre Arthur Vincent is the other available option in France's 33-man World Cup squad.
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Latest Comments
Agreed. As a Saffa I have much respect for the ABs. I also have to say given any option I would ONLY prefer to lose to ABs. To lose to England is probably the most embarrassing think to happen to either of us.
There was a time when both of us lost to England and we both hated it. Thankfully those days are behind us. Kudos to you guys, kudos to ABs. But dear old BS seems to hate us Boks. No idea why.
Go to commentsI got the sense that holding him to it was kickback from SB and the rfu smarting at being jilted quite so soon, so unexpectedly and so publicly.
Seem to remember that they spoke to Gustard before appointing Joe and you really have to think he would have come in at a higher level?
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