France will be without two key players for Saturday’s crucial Rugby World Cup warm-up test against New Zealand, with winger Damian Penaud and flanker Francois Cros ruled out due to injury and illness, The Associated Press reports.
The French Rugby Federation announced on Tuesday that the duo would not be replaced in coach Fabien Galthie’s 42-man squad for the autumn series.
Penaud, France’s all-time leading try-scorer with a remarkable 36 tries, missed the 52-12 victory over Japan on Saturday due to illness. The 26-year-old’s absence is a significant blow for the French, who will miss his explosive pace and try-scoring ability.
Cros, meanwhile, was forced off at halftime against Japan after suffering a head knock. While the severity of the injury is unclear, his absence will weaken France’s back row, a crucial part of their game.
The French team, aiming to go one step further than their runner-up finish in the 2023 Rugby World Cup, will now have to adapt their plans without two key players. Their focus will shift to finding replacements within the existing squad, with the pressure mounting as they prepare to face the mighty All Blacks.
