Injured: Dimitri Szarzewski
France have been dealt a blow after hooker Dimitri Szarzewski was ruled out of this week's clash with Ireland due to a thigh and shoulder injury.
The Racing Metro front-row forward sustained the problems during Saturday's victory over Grenoble and is replaced by Perpignan's Guilhem Guirado.
"We made this change because Dimitri, because of his injuries, will not be able to train before Thursday. His participation in the game would then be 50-50," said coach Philippe Saint-Andre.
"That's why we called up Guilhem so that he can train as of Monday with the group."
Comments
Bones7 says...
I have to agree with the posters below unfortunately. He's definitely a good player though, just out of form at the moment. I have seen some incredible feats from him in the past but he is one of a crowd of French players that just looks knackered. He's lost all his spark and looks a lot smaller than a year or two ago. His big tackles and support running set him apart from his peers in France but at the moment they are nowhere to be seen
Posted 19:21 04th March 2013
Fonzarelli says...
Whilst he hasn't been great for France, neither has many of their top players. So much of individual performances are reliant on the larger team performance, i.e. the ability to provide quick ball, develop space, get behind the opposition and get on the front foot.
Szarzewski was also part of the best performances I've seen from French sides, including a drubbing of England in the Stade Velodrome in Marseille, in 2007.
Posted 14:23 04th March 2013
rugby_rockstar says...
I'll make it 4 out of 4 as far as D.S. being all flash, little substance. Front five players have to deliver on their bread and butter skills
Posted 14:15 04th March 2013
pierredelot1 says...
Couldn't agree more if ever a player flattered to deceive its this one. He was part of the sub standard crew then came on as replecements against England. Waste of space.(Unless of course you're his hairdresser)
Posted 11:07 04th March 2013
melkdave says...
I dont like players gettinginjured,but i actually feel that this is a blessing for France .Szarzewski just hasnt performed imo,to internatinal class ,and has been a liability .Guirado will add something to France imo.
Posted 10:16 04th March 2013
gozar2013 says...
Not good that he is injured, but this is not a blow for France. Szarzewskis form has been terrible in the six nations and he should have really been dropped anyway.
Posted 06:48 04th March 2013