France’s casualty ward overflows after Springbok stampede

Les Bleus are dropping like flies after their bruising encounter with South Africa, while the Sprinbgoks strolled away without a scratch.

Someone needs to tell France that rugby isn’t meant to be a contact sport … oh wait.

The Walking Wounded

If you thought the French Revolution was bloody, you should see Les Bleus’ medical room after Saturday’s encounter with the Springboks.

France limped away from their latest clash with South Africa looking like they’d gone 10 rounds with a particularly grumpy rhinoceros.

First, number eight Mickaël Guillard waved the white flag, replaced by Pierre Bochaton. Then loosehead prop Baptiste Erdocio joined the casualty list with a dodgy knee, making way for Dany Priso.

When Training Becomes Dangerous

The kicker?

Erdocio’s injury might have come in training, which suggests the French squad is now so battered that even practice sessions are proving hazardous.

Perhaps they should wrap everyone in bubble wrap before Friday’s team run.

Boks Emerge Unscathed

Meanwhile, the Springboks reported precisely zero injury concerns.

“We have a lot of sore bodies,” admitted assistant coach Tony Brown, which in South African rugby speak roughly translates to “we’re absolutely fine, thanks for asking.”

The only Springbok walking wounded is Lood de Jager, though his injury is more judicial than physical, following his four-match ban for his red card infringement.

One suspects he’d trade places with the French medical room residents in a heartbeat.

Battle Scars Mount

France’s ever-growing injury list now reads like a war memorial, with several superstars languishing on the treatment table.

As Les Bleus prepare to face Fiji this weekend, one wonders if coach Fabien Galthié should simply start wheeling out the physio beds as part of his team selection.

The French call it Les Bleus. After Saturday, they’re looking distinctly black and blue.