French skipper now in doubt
2005-06-14 13:55
Durban - French scrumhalf and captain, Dimitri Yachvili, looks a doubtful starter for the first Test against South Africa in Durban on Saturday - a huge loss for an already depleted squad.
Yachvili is apparently suffering from exhaustion and will only be considered for the second Test in Port Elizabeth next weekend.
In fact, a number of star players who were involved in the epic French Cup final on Saturday are also set to miss the opening Test with a combination of niggling injuries and fatigue.
Plenty new caps
That means coach Bernard Laporte could name a number of new caps in his starting line-up on Tuesday evening for the match against the Springboks.
Many of the experienced players though can be expected back for the second Test in Port Elizabeth on June 25 - a match that will ultimately decide the outcome of the series.
Yachvili, who kicked Biarritz to a thrilling 37-34 victory in that final over Stade Francais - with nine successful penalties from 11 attempts - will be sorely missed in both the leadership and goal-kicking departments.
Further setbacks
This potential further setback comes after the Tricolors lost three players on the eve of their departure to South Africa.
Lock Jerome Thion and wing Christophe Dominici - he of 1999 World Cup semi-final fame - succumbed during the final, while uncapped wing Thierry Dusautoir missed the final through illness and has subsequently been left at home.
Toulouse centre Fabian Fritz and Beziers loose forward Yannick Nyanga, who was born in Zaire, are expected to make their debuts, while the backline could consist mainly of Toulouse players, who have had an extra week's rest after being knocked out in the semi-finals of the French Cup.
And lock Romain Millo-Chluski could pack down in the second row in his first appearance for France.
- SAPA