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France have been dealt a blow with news that dynamic tighthead prop Demba Bamba has been ruled out for the remainder of the Rugby World Cup with a thigh injury suffered in training on Friday. The 21-year-old had been a second-half replacement in the Pool C victory over Argentina.
In what can only be called a comical episode, France have summoned Cedate Gomes Sa from Racing 92 as his replacement. He was not their first choice, however. An announcement from the FFR stated that Uini Atonio of La Rochelle would be joining the team, only to proclaim half-an-hour later that Atonio was in fact injured and Gomes Sa would be heading to Japan instead.
For many the latter was expected to be called by Jacques Brunel ahead of Atonio, which makes the circumstances even more bizarre. The 26-year-old has only 9 test caps but is far more mobile than the monstrous Atonio and better suited to the fast tracks in Japan. Gomes Sa was part of the long-list released earlier this year but has not played for France since November of last year.
Next up for Les Bleus is a match against the USA on Wednesday in Fukuoka. Despite typhoon fears the match will go ahead as planned. A French victory would put them one step closer to securing a Quarter Final spot with games against Tonga and England to follow.
