Thion on the mend for France

Jerome Thion is set to be available for France when they face Italy at the Stade de France this weekend after he came through training unscathed.

The 30-year-old lock was doubtful for Sunday’s match after picking up a muscle injury, but under the watchful eye of coach Marc Lievremont he resumed training with the rest of the squad at Marcoussis today and came through the session with no complaints.

The news came as welcome relief for Lievremont who will be without second row Pascual Pape due to injury.

The Stade Francais flanker picked up a knee injury in the first half of his side’s Top 14 game with Biarritz on Saturday and is set to be replaced by Arnaud Mela.

Further good news for the French coach was the return of winger Vincent Clerc.

Clerc trained separately from the group after causing concern in Toulouse’s Top 14 match this weekend when he stayed on the ground for several minutes after taking a knock on his knee in the second half.

Like Thion, he too should be in consideration for team to face Italy.

With so many injuries and changes in the squad Lievremont could use this game to hand youngster Yann David his first RBS 6 Nations start.

The 19-year-old Bourgoin-Jallieu centre had another great game at the weekend against Toulouse, scoring his first try in the Top 14.

Clermont ASM’s Aurelien Rougerie, who also crossed the whitewash for his club last weekend, could also be in line for only his third start.