LONDON – France Coach Philippe Saint Andre has made some changes to the squad after injuries to players in key positions following the win over Scotland on Saturday.
Vincent Debaty and Jocelino Suta have been called in to the squad for France’s second round match against Ireland in Dublin after prop Alexandre Menini and lock Alexandre Flanquart pulled up injured on Sunday.
Menini was forced off the field at half time with a foot injury while Flanquart didn’t feature in the match as he continues to struggle with a neck injury.
“Alexandre Flanquart (Stade Francais) is not reset to 100 per cent from his neck injury in order to train during collective sessions with touch this week. Jocelino Suta (RC Toulon) replaces him in the France group,” the French Federation of Rugby said in a statement.
“Alexandre Menini (RC Toulon) injured his right foot during yesterday’s meeting and is replaced by Vincent Debaty (ASM Clermont Auvergne).”
Debaty hasn’t featured for the side since France’s ill-fated trip to Australia in the Summer of 2014 where they lost all three tests on tour while Suta’s last test for France was during the 2013 6 Nations.
In an unrelated change, Gael Fickou returns to his side Toulouse after being called into the side as cover for captain Thierry Dusautoir