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Recall for Demba Bamba one of three changes to France squad versus Scotland
By Liam Heagney
France have made three changes to their 31-strong squad that will prepare for the round three Guinness Six Nations match against Scotland on February 28, including a recall for prop Demba Bamba who earned the last of his 14 caps in the November Autumn Nations Cup win over Scotland.
Fresh from away wins over Italy and Ireland, the fixture versus the Scots will be the first home game of the campaign for the Grand Slam-chasing French who are seeking to win a first Six Nations title since 2010.
Fabien Galthie has called up 31 players to assemble next Sunday for their third match this month and there are three alterations to what he has worked with during recent weeks. Hassane Kolingar, Baptiste Pesenti and Dorian Aldegheri have all left the France group and they have been replaced by Jean-Baptiste Gros, Swan Rebbadj and Bamba.
The squad announcement on Wednesday afternoon rounded off a tricky few days for the French as it was confirmed earlier in the day that assistant coach William Servat had become the third member of the management team to test positive for Covid-19.
The French rugby federation had announced on Tuesday that Les Bleus head coach Galthie had tested positive, while one other unnamed person also produced a positive test. All the players, though, returned a further complete round of negative tests.
“Additional PCR tests will be carried out at home on Friday, as well as Sunday in the evening as soon as the players and staff arrive at the National Rugby Centre in Marcoussis," read a French rugby federation media release. "Once the tests are completed, everyone will be placed in isolation awaiting the results.”
FRANCE SQUAD (vs Scotland)
FORWARDS: Uini Atonio (La Rochelle), Cyril Baille (Toulouse), Demba Bamba (Lyon), Jean-Baptiste Gros (Toulon), Mohamed Haouas (Montpellier); Pierre Bourgarit (La Rochelle), Julien Marchand (Toulouse), Peato Mauvaka (Toulouse); Killian Geraci (Lyon), Bernard Le Roux (Racing 92), Swan Rebbadj (Toulon), Romain Taofifenua (Toulon), Paul Willemse (Montpellier); Gregory Alldritt (La Rochelle), Dylan Cretin (Lyon), Anthony Jelonch (Castres), Charles Ollivon (Toulon), Cameron Woki (Bordeaux-Begles);
BACKS: Sebastien Bezy (Clermont), Antoine Dupont (Toulouse), Baptiste Serin (Toulon); Louis Carbonel (Toulon), Matthieu Jalibert (Bordeaux-Begles); Gael Fickou (Stade Francais), Pierre-Louis Barassi (Lyon), Arthur Vincent (Montpellier); Damian Penaud (Clermont), Teddy Thomas (Racing 92), Gabin Villiere (Toulon); Anthony Bouthier (Montpellier), Brice Dulin (La Rochelle).
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Latest Comments
Willie will always be the most missed player for me once he retires. He wasn't interested in scoring tries. The ultimate team player. Has the most assists in tries in the Bok team, and his kicks always spot on, at least 95% of the time. He reads the game like no other player can. He wasn't flashy, and people didn't notice him because of that. Great rugby head and knowledge. He should be catapulted into an assistant coach in the rugby system. He should really consider coaching.
Damian Willemse is an excellent fullback and he is the number 1 fullback. He can play the entire backline positions, except maybe 9, but I'm sure he would be able too if he wanted. No one is taking that away from him, only stand in while he is injured. He is world class and you don't swap that out. He also got wicked dancing feet, great eye for openings, and reads a game like few can, like Willie Le Roux. Also very strong on his feet, with absolute great hands and his kicking game is just as good.
As for Aphelele Fassi. What a great find and he has exceptional talent that Rassie will mould into a world class player. Yet.... He is nowhere even close to Damien Willemse. He has a long way to go to get there, but he is surrounded by great team mates from who he will gain lots of advice and support. He can play wing and fullback and Rassie may just try him out as a flyhalf or centre too. He has the abilities to expand his game. He is for sure a future star, but not yet at the stage to take away Damien Willemse's spot. However, DW start and AF on the bench, that is an awesome replacement. Between the 2 they cover all positions in the backline once AF gets that training. The Boks could go 6/2 permanently if they wanted. 6 forwards, a scrumhalf and AF. I may be wrong, but Rassie will spread AF around.
Go to commentsGood grief
Beauden was his usual industrious self mixing deft touches with mindless kicks
6 or 7 max!!
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