A number of France’s senior players have been rested for the country’s upcoming tour of South Africa and Argentina.
National coach Marc Lievremont has cited “weariness” as his reason for leaving some of his main charges, including hooker William Servat and lock Sebastien Chabal at home for the trip.
The decision is in marked contrast to the tactics of Ireland coach Declan Kidney who opted to gamble on the fitness of second-row Paul O’Connell by including him in the squad for next month’s tour to New Zealand and Australia.
Veteran prop John Hayes was also given the nod for the tour, despite speculation that he might be rested.
France meanwhile have opted to go with a more inexperienced side which includes two uncapped players, namely, Biarritz flanker Wenceslas Lauret and Perpignan full-back Jerome Porical.
