France have suffered a double blow with two big players ruled out of Saturday night’s game against New Zealand.

Cros started last weekend’s match against Japan but was substituted at half-time due to a head injury, from which he has not been able to recover.

Winger Penaud did not play against The Brave Blossoms last Saturday after falling ill and also failed to recover in time to make the line-up for what could be a thrilling match against the All Blacks at the Stade de France.

France have not called up any other players in their squad and have a tight swap with Argentina heading to the Stade de France on Friday, November 22 for Les Blues’ final match of the Autumn Nations Series.

As such, they will be hoping both players recover in time to bolster their ranks.

Sam Darry also left the New Zealand team after injuring his knee.

France have won their last two matches against the All Blacks, in the 2021 Autumn Nations Series and last year’s World Cup opener.

New Zealand have not played France in the Autumn Nations Series since 2022, but had a 14-match winning streak against Les Bleus until France finally defeated their opponents in Paris in that 2021 clash.