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Host World Cup nation France have rocked by yet another devastating injury ahead of the tournament, with experienced lock Paul Willemse withdrawn from the squad because of injury.
The 30-year-old lock, who started against the Wallabies last week and played 31 Tests, injured his thigh during training before the official closure of the squad lists.
But such is the severity of the injury that the South African-born lock has been replaced by Montpellier teammate Bastien Chalureau.
Willemse, however, could still gain a call-up if he recovers from the injury and someone else is forced to withdraw entirely, with the giant second-rower included as one of 12 reserve players in the squad.
Paul Willemse has been withdrawn from France’s World Cup squad after picking up a thigh injury. (Photo by David Rogers/Getty Images)
His departure is yet another blow for Fabian Galthie’s men, who will also be without Jonathan Danty against the All Blacks in their World Cup opener on September 8.
Wrecking ball inside centre Danty suffered a minor hamstring injury during their 41-17 win over the Wallabies at the Stade de France late last month.
They also come after star fly-half Romain Ntamack suffered a season-ending knee injury against Scotland last month.
While loose-head prop Cyril Baille will also miss the start of the tournament because of injury.
The French do have depth, with Cameron Woki favourite to be promoted to the starting side while Romain Taofifenua and Thibaud Flament are also options to start at lock against the All Blacks in the tournament opener next week.
Eddie bullish about Wallabies’ World Cup chances as ex-England coach delivers home truth, Cipriani slams Australian
As Eddie Jones delivered England a reality check, the Wallabies coach said he was “optimistic” about his side’s “fantastic” chances of winning the World Cup a third time.
Jones, speaking to the BBC, said Australia’s underdog status didn’t bother him but added that the Wallabies were in a good position to give the tournament a shake because unlike their aging opponents they could improve quicker than the rest.
“No one thinks we can win, which is a great situation to be in,” said Jones. “If I look at all the teams in the World Cup, most teams are at the end of their cycle.
“Look at the Irish team, a very good team, but a lot of players at the end of their careers. New Zealand are the same [and] South Africa to a larger extent. Those teams, while they can grow, they can’t grow as quickly as we can.
“I’ve got a fair bit of optimism about what we can do. You need things to go right, and you need a bit of luck. But we work hard enough. We’ll generate enough good luck and then you don’t know where we can go.”
Eddie Jones says he’s “optimistic” about the Wallabies’ World Cup chances. (Photo by Chris Hyde/Getty Images)
Jones was less bullish about England’s chances.
Less than a year after the Rugby Football Union cut ties with him after seven years, which paved the way for his remarkable return to the Wallabies, Jones said his former assistant coach was in a difficult position because of the governing body’s inability to create a positive and successful pathway of talent.
“The results of England over the last five years… they’re not producing quality players,” Jones told BBC Radio 4’s Today programme.
“And so everyone looks at the head coach, and [says] ‘let’s blame the head coach’. But the onus on producing quality players is the RFU. And that hasn’t happened.
“You’ve got to look at why you’re not bringing talent through, then you’ve got to look at why your talent development systems are not doing that.
“The system’s not right. What needs to change? Where’s the gap? That’s the responsibility of the RFU.”
He added: “You’ve got an ageing team. Anyone who knows anything about sport can see that and then you’ve got new players coming in.
“Some of them have come through and done really well, like a Freddie Steward, others are still finding their feet, like a Marcus Smith.”
His comments weren’t received well everywhere, with former playmaker Danny Cipriani, who was briefly recalled by Jones for their tour of South Africa in 2018, slamming the Australian for his role in England’s demise.
Barbarians named but Lukhan misses trip
As the Wallabies enjoyed their World Cup welcome ceremony in Saint Etienne, 15 other Australians across the ditch have been named for Jones’ selected Barbarians team to take on Northampton Saints.
Queensland fly-half James O’Connor joins Ryan Lonergan in the halves, with the Barbarians’ backline dominated by Reds players including Hunter Paisami and Filipo Daugunu. While Brumbies star Tom Wright will feature at fullback in a threatening backline featuring Lachie Anderson and Dylan Pietsch.
The forward pack features several players from Australia A, with the same front-row from the one that beat Portugal 30-17 lining up with Tom Lambert, Lachlan Lonergan and Sam Talakai named.
Brumbies lock Cadeyrn Neville partners Japan’s Uwe Helu in the second-row, while Lachie Swinton and Seru Uru have been joined by Faulua Makisi in the back-row.
Australians Harry Johnson-Holmes and Harry Wilson have bee included on the bench.
Meanwhile, it can be revealed by The Roar that Ned Hanigan has a niggle that has forced him out of the squad.
Returning Wallabies forward Lukhan Salakaia-Loto has not travelled to England to join the Barbarians either.
The Barbarians’ tour over the next six weeks has been organised to ensure Jones has fit and ready players to call up to his Wallabies squad should injury strike.
Barbarians team to face Northampton Saints
Barbarians (1-15): Tom Lambert, Lachlan Lonergan, Sam Talakai (vc), Uwe Helu, Caderyn Neville, Lachlan Swinton, Seru Uru, Faulua Makisi, Ryan Lonergan, James O’Connor, Dylan Pietsch, Hunter Paisami, Filipo Daugunu, Lachlan Anderson, Tom Wright
Replacements: Shunta Nakamura, Kenta Kobayashi, Harry Johnson-Holmes, Taichi Takahashi, Harry Wilson, Kaito Shigeno, Nicholas McCurran, Ryohey Yamanaka
Saints (1-15): Alex Waller, Tom Cruise (c), Paul Hill, Theo Vukasinovic, Geordie Irvine, Angus Scott-Young, Henry Pollock, Izaiha Moore-Aiono, Callum Braley, James Grayson, Jake Garside, Tom Litchfield, Tom Seabrook, Will Glister, George Hendy
Replacements: Aston Gradwick-Light, Craig Wright, Elliot Millar Mills, Callum Smyth*, Ed Prowse, Kayde Sylvester, Reuben Logan, James Cherry*, Henri Lavin*, Archie McParland, Matthew Arden, Toby Thame, Oscar Daniel*, Ewan Baker
Join The Roar rugby editor Christy Doran, former Wallaby Matt Toomua and a cast of regular and special guests as they look at the biggest issues in the game on The Roar Rugby Podcast. If you’re looking for great odds on the next game check out Aussie bookmaker PlayUp. Chances are you’re about to lose. Set a deposit limit.