1
Uini Atonio replaced by 132kg understudy as 3 pull out of France squad
By Josh Raisey
Veteran tighthead Uini Atonio is one of three players to be replaced by Fabien Gatlhie in France's 42-man squad ahead of their autumn internationals.
France announced just hours before the squad were due to meet up at their base in Marcoussis that the 62-cap La Rochelle star is out, alongside the uncapped duo of Lyon fly-half Léo Berdeu and Bordeaux-Begles back row Pierre Bochaton.
Atonio, 34, has been replaced by ASM Clermont Auvergne's 132kg uncapped tighthead Regis Montagne. The former France U20 international toured with Les Bleus in South America in July without playing. He will join the French camp alongside Antoine Hastoy, who has come in for Berdeu, and Cameron Woki, who replaces Bochaton.
Bordeaux's Sipili Falatea was the original option to replace Atonio, but the prop is also unavailable.
France take on Japan, the All Blacks and Argentina in November.
Trending on RugbyPass
2
Rassie Erasmus holds the solution to England's Jamie George conundrum
3
The Springboks have something you don't have
4
'I don't think Borthwick picks Willis even if he's playing in England'
5
Latest Comments
You’d hope so. The A game is good for the guys close to selection.
Must say I didn’t think Tom was a standout in the A game but it’s the only game I’ve watched him this season that he wasn’t.
Luke Reimer was a clear MoM from our perspective - hard to believe Tizzano, for all his effort, is considered a better option to back up FMR. He’s a world class breakdown threat, he’s a powerful defender, and his carrying has really stepped up.
Go to commentsto help the referee's decision, it seems he also deliberately push the ball directly in touch. But already the first yellow card and some penalties showed a lack of discipline.
Go to comments