Thion in hospital with fractured larynx

France captain Jerome Thion is in hospital with a fractured larynx and will be sidelined for at least six weeks after being elbowed by South Africa's John Smit in Saturday's match.

"Jerome spent the night in hospital on a ventilator. He had a scan but we'll have to wait for two or three days to know the extent of the injury," he said.

The incident occurred 12 minutes into the game at the Stade de France when Springbok skipper Smit charged Thion and caught him in the throat with his elbow.

The touch judge reported the incident to the referee who awarded a penalty to France which Jean-Baptiste Elissalde converted. France won the game 26-20.
Maso said he had asked the international commissioner to cite Smit.

"I also asked the commissioner to have a look at another incident when (South Africa lock) Bakkies Botha kneed (lock) Lionel Nallet in the back just before halftime," Maso added.

"Nallet only suffered a cartilage injury but we hope that Thion's injury will not be as serious as the one Aurelien Rougerie suffered three years ago."

Wing Rougerie had two operations and spent two months in hospital being fed through his stomach after suffering a serious throat injury.

He was caught in the throat by England prop Phil Greening during a pre-season game between his Montferrand team and Wasps in August 2002.

Rougerie recovered in time for the 2003 World Cup.

- REUTERS