Full-strength France take on Japan

France coach Bernard Laporte named a virtually full-strength side for ‘Les Bleus’ World Cup Pool B clash with Japan at Townsville.

Only number eight Imanol Harinordoquy and hooker Yannick Bru were rested from the forwards, while the team was led by Fabien Galthme who marshalled a backline including Tony Marsh and Damien Traille.

Following the battling defeat by Scotland, Japan bolstered their pack by drafting in former sumo wrestler Ryo Yamamura at prop, line-out specialist Hiroyuki Tanuma in the second row and hooker Masaaki Sakata.

But despite the additions up front, Japan were not expected to trouble France who are looking to cement their place at the top of their pool with a convincing victory over one of world rugby’s lesser nations.

France: Poitrenaud, Rougerie, Marsh, Traille, Dominici, Michalak, Galthie, Milloud, Bru, Poux, Pelous, Brouzet, Betsen, Magne, Labit.

Replacements: Ibanez, Crenca, Auradou, Chabal, Merceron, Jauzion, Elhorga.

Japan: Kurihara, Ohata, Konia, Nanba, Onozowa, Miller, Sonoda, Hasegawa, Sakata, Yamamura, Tanuma, Parker, Okubo, Miuchi, Ito.

Replacements: Yamamoto, Amino, Kubo, Asano, Tauji, Motoki, Yoshida.

Referee: Alan Lewis (Ireland)