France retain same squad

Published: Tuesday, 14. February, 2012 in category France
Saint-Andre: Keeps same squad

Saint-Andre has named the same 23 players that he had assembled ahead of Saturday's ill-fated clash with Ireland, which was called off just minutes before kick-off due to freezing conditions at Stade de France.

Biarritz scrum-half Dimitri Yachvili is omitted as he continues to battle back pain, meaning Stade Francais' Julien Dupuy remains in the squad as cover.

"We preferred to keep Julien Dupuy as Dimitri Yachvili still has his back problems," said Saint-Andre. "This is more consistent.

"Everyone did the preparation together. It was difficult to remove someone from the group."

The squad will reassemble at their training base in Marcoussis on Sunday afternoon. Saint-Andre will name his starting XV for the Scotland match on Tuesday.

France squad:

Forwards: David Attoub, Vincent Debaty, Nicolas Mas, Jean-Baptiste Poux, William Servat, Dimitri Szarzewski, Pascal Pape, Yoann Maestri, Lionel Nallet, Julien Bonnaire, Thierry Dusautoir (capt), Louis Picamoles, Imanol Harinordoquy.

Backs: Morgan Parra, Julien Dupuy, Francois Trinh-Duc, Lionel Beauxis, Aurelien Rougerie, Maxime Mermoz, Wesley Fofana, Vincent Clerc, Julien Malzieu, Maxime Medard.