France have suffered a double injury setback ahead of their opening Test of the November series against the Springboks in Paris on 8 November.

Flyhalf Matthieu Jalibert and lock Romain Taofifenua have both been ruled out.

The French Rugby Federation (FFR) confirmed on Sunday that Jalibert picked up a thigh injury during Bordeaux Bègles’ Top 14 win over Bayonne on Saturday. The 26-year-old later admitted he expected to miss the blockbuster clash against the world champions.

Jalibert has not featured for Les Bleus since their Six Nations defeat to England in February, and his absence is a major setback for coach Fabien Galthié, who is already without several first-choice players.

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In response, Galthié has called up Ugo Seunes, the 24-year-old Racing 92 recruit who joined from second-tier Aurillac earlier this year, as cover at flyhalf.

Veteran second-rower Taofifenua, 35, was also injured during Racing’s Top 14 encounter with La Rochelle on Saturday. He will be replaced in the squad by Baptiste Pesenti from Stade Français.

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After facing South Africa in Paris, France will continue their campaign with Tests against Fiji (15 November) and Australia (22 November).

– AFP

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