Marsh to play in all French pool games

NEWLY-RECALLED centre Tony Marsh will play in all four of France’s group matches in the World Cup, manager, Jo Maso, said here yesterday.

“If we can manage it, Tony will play in the opening four games against Fiji, Japan, Scotland and the United States,” Maso said of the New Zealand-born back.

“It’s quite likely that he will be replaced during some of the games, but he will play in them all unless he says he is too tired.

“Tony needs to get some games under his belt ,” he said.

Marsh, who last appeared for France against Australia in June 2002, was named by coach Bernard Laporte for Saturday’s Pool B game against Fiji at Brisbane’s Lang Park.

The 31-year-old has only just recovered from testicular cancer and injury and admitted he had almost written off playing in the World Cup earlier this year But following a disappointing Six Nations campaign for the French, Marsh’s successful return has been touted as a vital ingredient for them to rebound with a strong showing at the World Cup.

Marsh played for 71 minutes for a French Barbarians side against a French XV in what was the last match at home for Laporte’s men before leaving for Australia.

After that game he admitted that he was still playing short of his best, but Laporte has great faith in him The Montferrand player was a key figure in France’s superb Six Nations Grand Slam-winning side last year, and the French have badly missed his midfield presence this season.

Though he had forged a successful partnership with Damien Traille in previous Tests, Marsh will be in an unfamiliar pairing on Saturday with Toulouse’s Yannick Jauzion.