Winger Damian Penaud (26) was forced on Thursday to stop prematurely in Marcoussis the only high-intensity training of the week for the XV of France. The Clermont player is uncertain three days before the third and final fall test against Japan on Sunday (2 p.m.) in Toulouse.
The player, author of a decisive try at the end of the match against Australia (30-29 victory) at the beginning of the month, left the training ground limping just before half-time. He came out with an ice pack on his right knee after grimacing. He then attended the rest of the session. His teammate Thomas Ramos thinks “it’s just a shot. Damian doesn’t like being hurt! »
Penaud first gave way to Parisian Sekou Macalou. After the break, it was Matthis Lebel, the Toulousain, who was positioned on the wing. Penaud did not return to the field. Uncertain against Japan, the Clermontois should therefore in the event of a package be replaced by one of these two players, a priori rather Lebel. Against South Africa, after Danty’s injury and Moefana’s repositioning, Macalou had taken the wing and produced a good performance, but his role as a versatile substitute is too precious for the staff.
This is a new blow for Fabien Galthié and his team, after the suspension announced this Thursday of captain Antoine Dupont. The two Toulousains Cyril Baille and Thibaud Flament, injured, should not tread the lawn either. During the tour, Killian Geraci was also injured before having knee surgery. Released injured last Saturday against South Africa, the three-quarter center Jonathan Danty has resumed training with contact.
The tricolor coach must announce Friday at noon his team composition to face the Japanese Brave Blossoms.