Benjamin Fall: Joins France squad
Racing Metro winger Benjamin Fall was named in France's 24-man squad for Saturday's Test with Samoa at the Stade de France.
The 23-year-old's selection follows uncertainty surrounding the fitness of back Brice Dulin (thigh), but Perpignan lock Sebastien Vahaamahina, Toulon flanker Pierrick Gunther and Toulouse centre Gael Fickou were not retained.
Fall, Vahaahamina, Gunther and Fickou had been called up on Sunday following fitness concerns of more senior players after the 39-22 win over Argentina in Lille on Saturday.
"It allowed us to have the right working conditions and to prepare well for the next match despite the absent players," explained France coach Philippe Saint-Andre.
"For these young players who are discovering the France team, it's good to be part of the group. They learn about the team and life in the group."
Meanwhile, Samoan full-backs Paul Williams (cheekbone), Dan Leo (knee) and Faatoina Autagavaia (wrist) are uncertain for the match after missing training on Tuesday.
The Samoa team will be named on Thursday.
France are looking for a third success of the November series after beating Australia and Argentina. Samoa beat Wales in Cardiff last Friday.
France squad:
Forwards (13): Thomas Domingo (Clermont), Yannick Forestier (Castres), Benjamin Kayser (Clermont), Dimitri Szarzewski (Racing-Metro), Vincent Debaty (Clermont), Nicolas Mas (Perpignan), Yoann Maestri (Toulouse), Pascal Pape (capt/Stade Francais), Jocelino Suta (Toulon), Damien Chouly (Clermont), Yannick Nyanga (Toulouse), Fulgence Ouedraogo (Montpellier), Louis Picamoles (Toulouse)
Back (11): Maxime Machenaud (Racing-Metro), Morgan Parra (Clermont), Frederic Michalak (Toulon), Franxois Trinh-Duc (Montpellier), Vincent Clerc (Toulouse), Brice Dulin (Castres), Wesley Fofana (Clermont), Florian Fritz (Toulouse), Yoann Huget (Toulouse), Maxime Mermoz (Toulon), Benjamin Fall (Racing-Metro)
Comments
Bambo says...
sonofsamoa - yes, Samoa have some awesome brute strength but what also struck me against Wales was the organisation and the sheer relentlessness of the attack and its energy. A skillful handful for any team out there. France cannot relax for a moment and yet that is just exactly what France frequently do! It should be a cracker. Enjoy!
Posted 23:20 21st November 2012
sonsofsamoa says...
Yeap agree with you on that one melkdave.. The french are a very tricky and skillful bunch.. They are much more than just brute strength side.. which I believe Samoa relies on to heavily.. And with high percentage kickers for France they will definitely capitalize if there is bad discipline from Samoa..
Posted 15:52 21st November 2012
melkdave says...
Looking forward to this game ,i reckon it will be a cracker,and a close game to boot.France will imo just edge it by3-6 points but boy they will know theve ben in a game.Breakdown is going to be a epic battle ,with big Samoan hits clearing players out.France are going tohave match Samoa in physicallity or they will lose.But i expect France will match them there,and kick the penalties to edge victory.
Posted 10:36 21st November 2012