Ntamack ruled out of Springbok showdown as France injury crisis deepens

The Toulouse playmaker sustained a shoulder injury during France's 54-17 victory over Fiji on Saturday night and has withdrawn from the extended 42-man squad preparing for the clash with the world champion Springboks in Paris.

His absence adds to Galthie's selection headaches, with France already without several key players, including Emmanuel Meafou, Thomas Ramos and Matthieu Jalibert.

Maxime Lucu replaced Ntamack at flyhalf against Fiji and appears the most likely candidate to take over the No 10 jersey against the Springboks, although scrumhalf Antoine Dupont also has experience playing in the No 10 jersey.

Galthie has also added seven players to his wider squad, with Teddy Thomas, Gael Fickou, Gael Drean, Julien Marchand, Gregoire Arfeuil, Louis Carbonel and Loic Credoz all called up.

Bordeaux-Begles winger Damian Penaud remains out of the extended squad after being released back to his club ahead of the Fiji Test. Leon Darricarrere, Nicolas Depoortere, Theo Forner, Oscar Jegou and Charles Kante Samba have also dropped out, alongside Ntamack.

There is better news for France, however, with Louis Bielle-Biarrey, Theo Attissogbe, Yoram Moefana, Peato Mauvaka and Charles Ollivon all retaining their places in the squad.

Gregory Alldritt is another player who could feature against the Springboks after remaining in the wider group. The number eight was initially named as a travelling reserve for the Fiji match. 

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