Michalak gets nod over Trinh-Duc

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France have omitted fly-half Francois Trinh-Duc from their World Cup squad in favour of Frederic Michalak.

Trinh-Duc won the last of his 50 caps against England eight days ago, but his attempt at forcing his way into Les Bleus’ final 31 for the global showpiece have been foiled.

Instead it is Michalak, who kicked 17 points in the return fixture against the World Cup hosts in Paris on Saturday, who will compete with Remi Tales at fly-half.

Coach Philippe Saint-Andre has selected only three second rows in Alexandre Flanquart, Yoann Maestri and Pascal Pape and opted to take six back rows, comprising of four flankers and two number eights.

Thierry Dusautoir captains the squad and is expected to make his comeback from a knee injury in France’s final warm-up match against Scotland in Paris on September 5.

France squad –

Forwards: U Atonio, E B Arous, V Debaty, N Mas, R Slimani, G Guirado, B Kayser, D Szarzewski, A Flanquart, Y Maestri, P Pape, T Dusautoir, B Le Roux, Y Nyanga, F Ouedraogo, D Chouly, L Picamoles.

Backs: R Kockott, M Parra, S Tillous-Borde, F Michalak, R Tales, M Bastareaud, A Dumoulin, G Fickou, W Fofana, S Guitoune, Y Huget, N Nakaitaci, B Dulin, S Spedding.

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