Michalak gets shot at WCup as France turns to veteran
Print Edition
EXPERIENCED Toulon flyhalf Frederic Michalak was the surprise inclusion in France coach Philippe Saint-Andre’s provisional squad for this year’s World Cup.
Michalak, who was recalled with fellow flyhalf Francois Trinh-Duc, was dropped after last year’s tour to Australia, but returns for his third World Cup.
The 32-year-old was picked ahead of Camille Lopez for his reliability in front of goal after a string of disappointing performances from the Clermont Auvergne player.
“Some players will be disappointed. We have a young team especially at the backs, but with the flyhalf position we picked experience that can handle the pressure of the World Cup,” Saint-Andre told reporters yesterday. “Camille is in the list of 50, but he has been injured and is a little in difficulty at the moment.”
Montpellier flyhalf Trinh-Duc, who was injured during this year’s Six Nations, also returned to the squad after glowing performances.
Castres pair Rory Kockott and Remi Tales, Clermont’s Morgan Parra and Toulon’s Sebastien Tillous-Borde also made the cut along with experienced hooker Dimitri Szarzewski, lock Pascal Pape and prop Nicolas Mas.
France, which lost the World Cup final to host New Zealand by a point in 2011, opens its campaign against Italy at Twickenham on September 19. It will reduce the squad to 31 on August 23 after two warm-up games against tournament host England.
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