SIX NATIONS: France coach Marc Lievremont recalled tighthead prop Sylvain Marconnet into a 23-man squad to face Wales in the first Six Nations night game in the Stade de France on Friday week.
Marconnet takes over from Nicolas Mas who has been sidelined by a groin injury. The 32-year-old Stade Francais prop won the last of his 71 caps, a record for a French prop, in the 2007 Six Nations match against Wales.
He broke his left shinbone in a skiing accident a few days later and despite being named in France's 2007 World Cup squad, had to withdraw at the last minute after not fully recovering.
Wales’ meanwhile received a major boost today when it was confirmed Jamie Roberts will be fit for selection against France.
Roberts, who is fast emerging as one of Wales’ most influential players, underwent a scan on his shoulder following last weekend’s 23-15 victory over England.
Wales physio Mark Davies confirmed this morning Roberts will be fit to face the French in Paris.
“Jamie had some soreness after the game on Saturday and so we took steps to ascertain the extent of the damage to his shoulder if any,” said Davies.
“Specialists have determined that the shoulder is in a stable condition and so there is no reason why he should be prevented from being in contention for the game against France.”
Roberts was named man-of-the-match as Wales opened their Six Nations title defence with a win against Scotland after switching from outside to inside centre to cover for the injured Gavin Henson.
Warren Gatland’s midfield options are set to be strengthened further by Henson’s return from a calf injury in time to be considered for the France game after missing Wales’ last eight Tests.
Winger Shane Williams is also expected to be ready after missing the England win with an ankle injury suffered against Scotland.
The first night game of the Six Nations will take place in Paris at 8pm Irish time on Friday, February 27th.
France squad (v Wales):
Forwards: S Marconnet, L Faure, T Domingo, F Barcella, D Szarzewski, B Kayzer, S Chabal, L Nallet (C), R Millo-Chluski, T Dusautoir, F Ouedraogo, L Picamoles, I Harinordoquy.
Backs: S Tillous-Borde, M Parra, L Beauxis, Y Jauzion, B Baby, M Mermoz, J Malzieu, C Heymans, C Poitrenaud, M Medard.
