Boost for Grand Slam-chasing France

SQUAD ANNOUNCEMENT: France have chosen a 28-man training squad to prepare later this week for their Six Nations match away to Scotland.

The rejuvenated French remain the only country capable of winning the Grand Slam following their round three win away to Wales and previously unbeaten Ireland’s comprehensive loss to England.

Their big development heading into round four is the uncertainty of replacement hooker Camille Chat.

He shipped an injury during the Principality Stadium win and with his availability in doubt for Murrayfield, coach Fabien Galthie has opted to exclude him now rather than hope the injury comes right.

Jefferson Poirot, the prop excluded for the Cardiff trip, is back in the mix following an injury to Cyril Baille.

Also back is Clermont wing Damian Penaud, who missed the first three rounds of the championship due to a pain in his calf.

France squad:

Forwards: Demba Bamba, Jean-Baptiste Gros, Mohamed Haouas, Julien Marchand, Peato Mauvaka, Jefferson Poirot, Killian Geraci, Bernard Le Roux, Romain Taofifenua, Paul Willemse, Gregory Alldritt, Dylan Cretin, Francois Cros, Charles Ollivon (captain), Cameron Woki, Selevasio Tolofua.

Backs: Antoine Dupont, Baptiste Serin, Matthieu Jalibert, Romain Ntamack, Gael Fickou, Virimi Vakatawa, Arthur Vincent, Gabriel Ngandebe, Damian Penaud, Teddy Thomas, Anthony Bouthier, Thomas Ramos

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