French Six Nations problems reach new low

LA TESTE-DE-BUCH - France's problematic Six Nations season has hit a new low with two more players pulling out of a special training camp through injury and illness and another five failed to turn up on time.

Lock Olivier Brouzet, who has a stomach complaint, and flyhalf Christophe Lamaison, who has a thigh injury, were both forced to pull out of the four-day camp, organised as special preparation for their clash with England on April 8.

Six players pulled out of the camp yesterday. Five Stade Francais players also missed their flight from Paris and were late for first training session.

France, already beaten by Wales and Ireland in the tournament, are trying to get their form back on track before their final clash with the tournament favourites at Twickenham.

Biarritz number eight Thomas Lievremont has been added to the party.

Before today's blow coach Bernard Laporte had already lost brothers Emile and Francis Ntamack (winger and back row forward), Stephane Glas (centre), Christophe Moni (flanker), Pierre Mignoni (scrumhalf) and Pepito Elhorga (fullback).

Prop Christian Califano and centre Yannick Jauzion have long-term injuries and will not be considered for the game.

With centre Sebastien Bonetti sidelined by a hamstring injury and not selected for the camp and reserve Gloucester hooker Olivier Azam suspended, Laporte's woes are mounting daily.

"To lose nine or 10 players from 32 - that's an enormous amount," said Laporte.

"But I think we will see more and more of these problems when the seasons are so long. We have a lot of players suffering from muscular injuries."

Lievremont was a regular member of the national side before missing last year's clashes with Australia and New Zealand because of a knee injury.

Laporte recalled the former Perpignan player, despite what some see as strained relations between the two.

"I have never had a problem with Bernard and although we cannot be considered friends, we are definitely not enemies," Lievremont said.

Laporte said that it was up to Lievremont to prove that he was fit. "If he can prove to us that he is at his best then he will play," he said.

Laporte, widely criticised after their 43-35 defeat by Wales in Paris in their last clash, is due to name his team to face England on Friday.

Laporte had intended to experiment against England but may now be forced to blood more inexperienced players than he would have wished.

"We had the intention of giving several young players their chance but we didn't want to get them killed," Laporte told a news conference.

"With all these injuries, though, we have fewer choices."

The camp is being held as the French Rugby Federation and the clubs continue to argue over the amount of time the players should be available for national team duty.

- REUTERS

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