France centre Tony Marsh has been cleared to start tomorrow’s Six Nations clash against Ireland, press officer Lionel Rossigneux said today.
France centre Tony Marsh has been cleared to start tomorrow’s Six Nations clash against Ireland, press officer Lionel Rossigneux said today.
"Tony went to the Stade de France with the goal-kickers to test his calf and they all decided that he could play," he said.
New Zealand-born Marsh noticed a slight calf muscle contraction during a training session on Wednesday morning, and France coach Bernard Laporte decided to rest him on Thursday.
France captain Fabien Galthie, flanker Serge Betsen, number eight Imanol Harinordoquy and winger David Bory also underwent medical checks on Tuesday, but all received the green light and the hosts will be at full strength against Ireland.
Harinordoquy and Betsen bruised legs playing club rugby with Pau and Biarritz at the weekend. Galthie has a thigh muscle problem and Bory is recovering from an ankle injury.
France are the only unbeaten team in the tournament and are bidding for their first grand slam since 1998 in the final round of matches.