Weary French arrive in South Africa

DURBAN - A weary French rugby team arrived in South Africa today for a two-test series against the Springboks without several key players.

Experienced stalwarts such as flanker Serge Betsen and lock Fabien Pelous were allowed to miss the tour to rest.

Winger Christophe Dominici and lock Thierry Dusautoir pulled out at the last minute due to injuries, further weakening coach Bernard Laporte's squad.

Dominici was replaced by Vincent Clerc and Dusautoir by Remy Martin.

"This tour is going to be difficult because the French championship only ended on Saturday night," Laporte said.

"It is going to be a tough week to get the team ready for the first test. We have a lot of new players but we are looking ahead to the 2007 World Cup.

"In 2001 when we came here last we had many young players and some of them have become key members of the team. We are looking for the same on this tour.

"I would have preferred a five-week tour with some midweek matches but the short tours are the nature of international rugby these days."

Captain Dimitri Yachvili said it would take a massive effort to be ready for the first test after a long domestic season that ended with the French championship final on Saturday when Biarritz beat Stade Francais 37-34.

"The final was tough and physical and it took a lot out of the players," Yachvili said.

"They are tired but we have a lot of work to do before Saturday to be ready."

Manager Jo Maso remembered the drawn series in South Africa four years ago.

"We are glad to be in South Africa because we had a great tour here in 2001," he said.

"The squad is inexperienced but it gives some young players a chance. We know it will be difficult to win the series but that's why we are."

The first test is in Durban on Sunday (NZ time) and the second in Port Elizabeth a week later.

- REUTERS