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PARIS - France flanker Serge Betsen, who was knocked out during his side's quarter-final win over New Zealand, said on Friday he was fit to face England for a place in the World Cup final on Saturday (8 p.m. British time).
Betsen lay on the Cardiff pitch for several minutes last Saturday after colliding with New Zealand wing Joe Rokococo and then being hit a team mate's knee early in a match the tournaments hosts eventually won 20-18.
"It was a scary moment, especially for my family," Betsen, who was replaced by Imanol Harinordoquy, told reporters.
"But three minutes later, I felt all right and after the match, I was able to celebrate the victory with my team mates.
"I remember everything," the 33-year-old added. "I'm absolutely fine. The checks performed in hospital were reassuring and I was able to resume training yesterday (Thursday)."
A tireless defender, Betsen held the record for the number of tackles by a French player in an international with 35 until fellow flanker Thierry Dusautoir beat him last Saturday with 38.
- REUTERS
