Injured in the French team, Toulon pillar Jean-Baptiste Gros, victim of a torn hamstring, will be absent for his club's next match in Perpignan.
Toulon left pillar Jean-Baptiste Gros, victim of a torn hamstring during the French XV's match against Argentina, is absent for his club's next match in Perpignan, his coach explained on Thursday. Gros, starter in the three matches of the French XV in November, was released in the first minutes of play against Argentina after a dangerous clearance from hooker Julian Montoya. “He will have new exams on Monday or Tuesday to check that there is nothing more serious because for the moment there was a lot of blood at his wound” explained Var manager Pierre Mignoni at a press conference, regarding the 25-year-old player (32 caps), without commenting on the duration of his unavailability. Winger Gabin Villière is enjoying a week's vacation after participating in the French team's two victories against New Zealand (30-29) and the Pumas (37-23) and will not be traveling either in the Pyrénées-Orientales.
Fiji international Jiuta Wainiqolo is also on leave, and Italians Gianmarco Lucchesi and Paolo Garbisi are rested. Right pillar Beka Gigashvili will return to the group for this match on the 11th day after an adductor injury and could play his first match of the season. On the other hand, Leicester Fainga'anuku (ribs) and Duncan Paia'aua (hamstring) are still in the infirmary, as is Ben White, injured in a calf with the Scotland selection and absent between four and six weeks .
