Decimated French delay naming side

Published: 11:44AM Saturday October 31, 2009 Source: Newstalk ZB/ONE Sport

  • Print this article
  • Text size + -

Injuries, illness and suspension have decimated the French squad for Sunday morning's Four Nations League test against the Kiwis in Toulouse.

Coach Bobbie Goulding has been allowed by tournament officials to delay finalising his side until just prior to kickoff.

Goulding was down to 16 fit players at training earlier this week and was forced to draft in New Zealand-born forwards Artie Shead and Andrew Bentley.

Centres Jean-Philippe Baile and Sebastien Raguin and second rower Cyril Gossard have all been ruled out with knee injuries, prop Remi Casty has a broken hand and fellow front rower David Ferriol is suspended.

Winger Dimitri Pelo has been in quarantine since Sunday after going down with suspected swine flu.

The Kiwis versus France game kicks off in Toulouse at 5:30am NZ time on Sunday morning.

  • Print this article
  • Text size + -
  • more...

League Video

How do you want your news?

  • Mobile Devices

    TVNZ is available on mobile phones: Text TVNZ to 8869.

  • News Feeds

    See when TVNZ have added new content. You can get the latest headlines anywhere.

  • Podcasts

    Enjoy TVNZ on the move - a wide range of programmes and highlights are available.