Petit Parisien - France centre Danty doubtful for Rugby World Cup opener against All Blacks

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France centre Danty doubtful for Rugby World Cup opener against All Blacks
France centre Danty doubtful for Rugby World Cup opener against All Blacks / Photo: Anne-Christine POUJOULAT - AFP/File

France centre Danty doubtful for Rugby World Cup opener against All Blacks

France centre Jonathan Danty is a doubt to face New Zealand in next week's Rugby World Cup opener due to a hamstring injury, the French Rugby Federation (FFR) said on Wednesday.

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La Rochelle's Danty, 30, will undergo further tests over the coming days before the hosts play the All Blacks on September 8.

Danty won his 23rd Test cap on Sunday, scoring in the warm-up win over Australia, and has become a leading figure in Fabien Galthie's side.

"After the France game against Australia, Jonathan Danty underwent extra tests which showed a slight problem with his hamstring," the FFR said.

"Next week, a training schedule will be adapted to his situation."

Bulldozing midfielder Danty could be replaced in the starting lineup by Bordeaux-Begles' Yoram Moefana or Arthur Vincent of Montpellier.

France are already without fly-half Romain Ntamack for the whole tournament due to a serious knee injury and tight-head prop Cyril Baille for at least their first two games with a calf strain.

After playing New Zealand, Les Bleus face Uruguay, Namibia and Italy in Pool A.

Q.Dupre--PP