Planet Rugby understands France will be without Toulouse winger Francois Cros due to concussion for their Rugby World Cup return against the All Blacks.

As France experiment with their back row in November, dropping talisman Charles Ollivon as they look to refresh their stocks ahead of the 2027 Rugby World Cup, the loss of Cros, a key man and their relegation booster, is a hard hit .

The Toulouse star has been one of the standout players in Europe over the last 12 months and without his passing and defensive work in the second half against Japan, France struggled for quick ball.

Fabian Galthie is believed to have told Ollivon his work-rate has fallen below expectations, but the Toulon star is expected to feature on the bench.

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What will France do?

France will ring the changes in the back row, where they play in a left and right configuration rather than openside and blindside. Paul Boudenhet is set to replace Cros on the right flank, with Alexandre Roumat keeping his place on the left flank, but neither player offers the breakdown presence of the Toulouse vice-captain.

Bordeaux-Begles midfielder Matthieu Jalibert is also thought to start with Thomas Ramos moving to full-back and talented youngster Leo Barre moved to the substitutes’ bench to retain Ramos’ goal-scoring ability. However, L’Equipe announce that Romain Buros will be given a run at number 15.

It is understood Toulon’s Gabin Villière could return on the wing in the absence of Damian Penaud and with an injury cloud also surrounding Pau winger Theo Attissogbe, who sprained his knee against Japan.

Not just France with injuries

New Zealand have suffered two injuries of their own, with veteran Sam Cane ruled out of the Stade de France battle with a serious cut. This could signal an early end to his Test career as Cane heads to Japan next year and will not be available for selection. He will be desperate to get one last outing against Italy if injury allows.

Joining Cane on the sidelines is the elusive Mark Tele’a, who has been sensational on tour so far and unfortunately misses out with a hand injury picked up in the All Blacks’ win over Ireland last time out.

Heater Du’Plessis Kirifi joins the squad as injury cover, as do Chay Fihaki and Fabian Holland. Meanwhile, Scott Barrett and Codie Taylor should return in time for the France Test.

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