Heymans wins place for World Cup opener

Cedric Heymans has ousted Toulouse colleague Clement Poitrenaud for the full-back jersey for France’s World Cup opener against Argentina at the Stade de France on Friday.

Poitrenaud, the only recognised number 15 in the Les Bleus squad, was expected to start against the Pumas, but Heymans’ strong showing in the position in the 34-7 warm-up win over Wales eight days ago has swayed the selectors’ thinking.