Fall races into France squad

Racing Metro wing Benjamin Fall was named on Tuesday in France's 24-man squad for Saturday's Test against Samoa in Stade de France.

The 23-year-old's selection follows uncertainty surrounding the fitness of back Brice Dulin (thigh), but Perpignan lock Sebastien Vahaamahina, Toulon flank Pierrick Gunther and Toulouse centre Gael Fickou were not retained.

Fall, Vahaahamina, Gunther and Fickou had been called up on Sunday following fitness concerns of more senior players after the 39-22 win over Argentina in Lille on Saturday.

"It allowed us to have the right working conditions and to prepare well for the next match despite the absent players," explained France coach Philippe Saint-Andre.

"For these young players who are discovering the France team, it's good to be part of the group. They learn about the team and life in the group."

Meanwhile, Samoan fullbacks Paul Williams (cheekbone), Dan Leo (knee) and Faatoina Autagavaia (wrist) are uncertain for the match after missing training on Tuesday.

The Samoa team will be named on Thursday.

France are looking for a third success of the November series after beating Australia and Argentina. Samoa beat Wales in Cardiff last Friday.

France:
Forwards (13): Thomas Domingo (Clermont), Yannick Forestier (Castres), Benjamin Kayser (Clermont), Dimitri Szarzewski (Racing-Metro), Vincent Debaty (Clermont), Nicolas Mas (Perpignan), Yoann Maestri (Toulouse), Pascal Pape (Stade Francais), Jocelino Suta (Toulon), Damien Chouly (Clermont), Yannick Nyanga (Toulouse), Fulgence Ouedraogo (Montpellier), Louis Picamoles (Toulouse)

Backs (11): Maxime Machenaud (Racing-Metro), Morgan Parra (Clermont), Frederic Michalak (Toulon), Franxois Trinh-Duc (Montpellier), Vincent Clerc (Toulouse), Brice Dulin (Castres), Wesley Fofana (Clermont), Florian Fritz (Toulouse), Yoann Huget (Toulouse), Maxime Mermoz (Toulon), Benjamin Fall (Racing-Metro).

AFP