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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.
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.
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.
“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.
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Latest Comments
Yep NZ national u85 team is touring there atm I think (or just has).
Go to commentsWhat are they gonna do with the 500k and what does that achieve? They could dump the whole side and pick amateurs and save 10million, but what is that going to achieve?
The problem it feels like to me is I didn't hear what Gatland is going to do in order to win the 6N next year. How is he helping the problem. It just sounds like they're expecting miracles and for Gatland to turn around the national teams results, but what good is that when you're not fixing any of the problems and you'll just be back where you were when Gatland and the old players leave?
I think you are totally wrong in your stance. Wales abosolutely need to spend that 500k by investing in their future, it just doesn't sound like theyre giving Gatland any more resources to do it with. They're not using that 500k very well.
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