XV of France: Hit in the knee, Romain Taofifenua forfeits the start of the 6 Nations Tournament, a Lyonnais called up

The second row of Racing 92, Romain Taofifenua, is withdrawn from the gathering of the French XV for the first match of the Six Nations Tournament, and is replaced by Lyonnais Mickaël Guillard, the FFR announced on Sunday.

The ex-USAP player (34 years old, 53 caps) came out in the 45th minute during Racing's victory against the Stormers (31-22) on Saturday, and appeared with an ice pack on one knee, even if his coach Stuart Lancaster wanted to be reassuring after the match.

Guillard (24 years old, 5 caps) had been a substitute in the Blues' last three matches this fall, for three victories against Japan, New Zealand and Argentina. Injured in an ankle at the end of November with Lou, Guillard has not played again since this injury.

The XV of France faces Wales to open the Tournament on January 31 at the Stade de France.