French duo doubtful

Fabien Pelous and Imanol Harinordoquy have emerged as injury concerns for France ahead of Friday’s pivotal Pool D clash with Ireland in Paris.

Lock and vice-captain Pelous fell awkwardly on his knee during the 87-10 defeat of Namibia yesterday, while number eight Harinordoquy has a thumb complaint.

Fly-half David Skrela has already been ruled out after injuring his Achilles tendon in the 17-12 loss to Argentina on the opening night of the tournament.

Les Bleus staff have announced that the starting XV for the Ireland showdown will be named on Wednesday morning, not Tuesday as originally scheduled.

Team manager Jo Maso said: “If we have decided not to name the team until Wednesday, it is to give ourselves some time, to speak to the players and take the right decisions.”