Ox Nche under no illusions about the Les Bleus challenge at scrum time
Revered Springbok prop is relishing the challenge of packing down against a traditionally powerful French scrum in Paris on Friday night.
Marcus Thuram, Aurelien Tchouameni among latest France injury absentees
Thuram picked up a hamstring problem during Sunday's 2-0 victory over Como, in which he found the net to seal the result. However, lingering discomfort prevented the forward from taking part in Monday's training session, and he remained under medical supervision.
"With no improvement this morning, and following medical examinations, the French national team's medical staff decided, in agreement with Inter and the player, to release him back to his club," France said in a statement on Tuesday, regarding Thuram.
Bournemouth attacker Junior Kroupi has been drafted into the squad as his replacement. The uncapped youngster finished as Ligue 2's leading scorer in 2025 and was part of the France Under-19 side that reached the 2024 European Championship final. He returned to action last month after undergoing surgery for a foot injury sustained during pre-season.
Tchouameni, meanwhile, has aggravated his right adductor injury, the same problem he experienced at this summer's World Cup. He will return to Real Madrid for rehabilitation, with coach Zinedine Zidane deciding against selecting another midfielder.
Juventus defender Pierre Kalulu has also withdrawn with a left hamstring injury, prompting the inclusion of uncapped right-back Sael Kumbedi.
France are additionally without William Saliba, Jules Kounde, Maxence Lacroix, Manu Kone, Ousmane Dembele and Esteban Lepaul.
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