The second line of the XV of France, Paul Willemse, is replaced by Bastien Chalureau in the group of 33 Blues summoned to compete in the 2023 World Cup, the French Rugby Federation (FFR) announced on Friday, one week before the opening match against New Zealand. According to several media, Willemse, a member of the XV of France, injured his thigh during his “off” week, while the Blues are expected on Saturday in Rueil-Malmaison in the Hauts-de-Seine, to prepare for the first match of the World Cup at the Stade de France next Friday.
New blow for the XV of France
The player (30 years old, 31 selections) remains however in the list of ten reservists likely to be recalled in the group during the competition, specifies the FFR in its press release. Willemse, born in Pretoria (South Africa), had already missed the 2019 World Cup due to an injury suffered during preparation.
Last season, he only played 13 games with the MHR, in all competitions, including nine as a starter, in particular due to a recurring thigh injury. Willemse (2.01m, 129kg) played three of the four preparation matches for Les Bleus in August, starting number 5 alongside Thibaud Flament against Fiji (34-17) in Nantes on the 19th, then against Australia (41-17) last Sunday at the Stade de France.
This is a new blow for the XV of France after the withdrawal for the whole of the 2023 World Cup (September 8 – October 28) of the opening half Romain Ntamack (rupture of the cruciate ligament of the knee), and the injuries to pillar Cyril Baille (calf), unavailable for the start of the competition, and center Jonathan Danty (thigh muscle injury), uncertain for the opening match against the All Blacks.