Marsh’s joy at recall

FRANCE centre Tony Marsh has revealed his “pure happiness” at being recalled to the national team set-up just five months after being diagnosed with testicular cancer.

The New Zealand-born Montferrand player had surgery in March and underwent chemotherapy treatment in April and May before being passed fit to resume training with his club in June.

He is now back with Les Bleus to start a two-month training schedule ahead of the World Cup in Australia which starts in October.

His last appearance for France was in June 2002 when Bernard Laporte’s men lost 31-25 to world champions Australia.

“I missed the national team so much,” Marsh said. “I am really very happy and everything I am experiencing at the moment is pure happiness.

Meanwhile, Wallaby coach Eddie Jones has indulged in some of his trademark mind games ahead of tomorrow’s Tri-Nations clash with South Africa at Suncorp Stadium.

Jones preferred not to comment on the Springbok team and tactics yesterday, but attempted to avoid any suggestion that the struggling Wallabies would resort to fisticuffs against the South Africans following a brawl in last year’s corresponding match here.

Springbok flanker Joe Van Niekerk, one of six changes to the Springbok team announced yesterday, raised the prospect of a fiery match when he said: “It’s going to be a very fiery match. Australia are down and we’re down. A wounded animal is dangerous when it is down. You can expect a lot of niggle.”