France
Thierry Dusautoir to miss England clash through injury
ESPN Staff
August 9, 2015
Dusautoir speaks to the press at a Rugby World Cup training camp in France.
Dusautoir speaks to the press at a Rugby World Cup training camp in France.© LOIC VENANCE/AFP/Getty Images

France captain Thierry Dusautoir will miss the World Cup warm-up match against England on Saturday through injury.

The 33-year-old picked up a knee problem in training last week and coach Philippe Saint-Andre will err on the side of caution when the two sides meet at Twickenham.

Dusautoir is expected to be back for the return fixture at Stade de France the following week, with the flanker looking to reach full fitness ahead of the World Cup opener against Italy on September 19.

Sebastien Tillous-Borde and Frederic Michalak also miss out against Stuart Lancaster's side, although Saint-Andre insists the door is not completely closed on the half-backs.

Discussing Michalak in particular, the coach said: "He was injured a lot with Toulon this last season. He hasn't had any niggles in preparation but we wanted to give him another week."

After matches against England in consecutive weeks, France will finalise their 31-man World Cup squad before meeting Scotland on September 5 in their last warm-up.

A fortnight later, they meet the Azzurri at Twickenham before fixtures against Romania, Canada and Ireland in Pool D.

© ESPN Staff

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