France are set to delay a decision on Matthieu Jalibert’s availability for Saturday’s Nations Championship Test against Australia.
The star playmaker missed a second consecutive training session with a calf injury.
According to reports from the French camp, Jalibert completed only light cycling and gym work before watching the remainder of the session from the sidelines.
While there was optimism earlier in the week that he would be available, his participation is now in doubt, with a final decision expected after further fitness tests ahead of Thursday’s team announcement.
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Should Jalibert be ruled out, Antoine Hastoy appears set to start at flyhalf or possibly even fullback having trained in that position.
France are also preparing several changes to the forward pack following last week’s opening Test.
Moses Alo-Emile is expected to make his Test debut in his hometown, while Florian Verhaeghe is set to partner Emmanuel Meafou in the second row.
Lenni Nouchi is also poised to come into the starting XV after Pierre Bochaton was ruled out with a neck injury.
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The French are expected to revert to a six-two split on the bench, with the extra forward cover made possible by the versatility of Jalibert or Hastoy and the ability of Théo Attissogbé to cover multiple backline positions.
Photo: Phil Walter/Getty Images
The post France sweat on Jalibert fitness appeared first on SA Rugby magazine.
France are set to delay a decision on Matthieu Jalibert’s availability for Saturday’s Nations Championship Test against Australia.
The post France sweat on Jalibert fitness appeared first on SA Rugby magazine. Read More
