Thierry Dusautoir set for France's World Cup opener against Italy
Monday 14 September 2015 14:37, UK
France captain Thierry Dusautoir has dismissed any fears surrounding his bandaged left hand and is ready to start against Italy in their World Cup opener.
"It's only a bump, no broken bones," said the back-row forward.
Head coach Philippe Saint-Andre laughed off the injury, jokingly saying: "He only broke a nail!"
Saint-Andre's men are favourites to see off Italy, who will be without talisman and captain Sergio Parisse at Twickenham on Saturday.
The Stade Francais No 8 has failed to recover in time after having a haematoma on his left calf drained.
France will be expected to battle it out with back-to-back Six Nations champions Ireland for top spot in Pool D, so will be seeking a fast start against the Italians.
Canada and Romania will be hard-pressed to keep pace with the other contenders in the pool.
Les Bleus have now settled into their London base, with the squad's final preparations hitting an unlikely problem in the shape of a Croydon wedding party.
Giant prop Uini Atonio has revealed how a rowdy set of wedding guests spoiled his first night's sleep in the squad's south London hotel.
"There was a wedding in the reception area just under my room, and they were quite noisy," he said.
"We might have to change hotel!"
