Michalak given France boost
Marcoussis (France) (AFP) - Toulon half-back Frederic Michalak looks set to be called up to the France squad for their first November test against New Zealand, team manager Philippe Saint-Andre revealed Tuesday.
Clermont scrum-half Morgan Parra was originally called up to the squad but subsequently hit with a four-week ban from October 16 for having unloaded a flurry of punches on Bordeaux-Begles's Gautier Gibouin during a French Top 14 match on September 29.
The 24-year-old has appealed his ban and will hear the decision on Thursday.
If he is unsuccessful he will miss the November 9 test against the All Blacks at the Stade de France, and Saint-Andre hinted it would be veteran Michalak to benefit.
"If Morgan Parra doesn't win one or two weeks (in reduction to his suspension), there's a great chance that Frederic Michalak will come into the five half-back places," said Saint-Andre.
"We need three kickers, he's come back from injury and unusually plays nine and ten."
Michalak, 31, only returned to action following a dislocated shoulder at the beginning of October but played 50 minutes against Toulouse on Saturday.
Saint-Andre is due to announce his 30-man squad to prepare for the All Blacks match on Sunday while he will reduce it to 26 on November 5 before announcing his 23-man match-day squad two days later.
France also play test matches against Tonga on November 16 in Le Havre before entertaining South Africa in Paris a week later.
