France suffered another big blow to their hopes of winning the Rugby World Cup with the withdrawal on Friday of second row forward Paul Willemse, a week ahead of the opening match against New Zealand.
According to several media reports, Willemse, who also missed the 2019 World Cup after getting injured in the build-up, hurt his thigh during the week.Willemse, who played in three of France's warm-up matches including Sunday's 41-17 win over Australia, remains on the list of 10 reserves who could be recalled to the squad during the competition.
Chalureau, 31, made his professional debut for Perpignan in the second division in 2015 but only graduated to the Top 14 during a brief stay at Toulouse in 2019 and then with Montpellier where he has been since 2020.Willemse's withdrawal follows that of fly-half Romain Ntamack, who ruptured a knee ligament in the second warm-up match against Scotland.
Prop Cyril Baille is unavailable for the start of the competition because of a calf injury while centre Jonathan Danty is doubtful for the opening match against the All Blacks on September 8.In times of uncertainty you need journalism you can trust. For 14 free days, you can have access to a world of in-depth analyses, investigative journalism, top opinions and a range of features. Journalism strengthens democracy. Invest in the future today. Thereafter you will be billed R75 per month.
South Africa Latest News, South Africa Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
'France are World Cup favourites,' says coach as Boks wrap up training on CorsicaThe Boks are set to wrap up their training camp in Corsica on Friday before heading to Toulon.
Read more »
Springbok strength in depth boosts hopes of retaining Rugby World CupStrength in depth among forwards and backs has South Africans believing that captain Siya Kolisi and his Springboks can successfully defend in France the Rugby World Cup they won four years ago.
Read more »