While the French team begins the last phase of its preparation for the World Cup with two friendly matches in Japan, the French Federation announces that Vincent Collet will not be able to count on Thursday Nicholas Batum since the captain of the Blues is “spared” for this first match against Japan.
Thursday, at noon French time, at the Ariake Arena, the French team will try to maintain its invincibility in this phase of preparation, and the coach will be able to count on the latest arrival, Isaïa Cordinier, while Vincent Poirier plays the interims in l prolonged absence of Mathias Lessort.
On the Japanese side, who are without Rui Hachimura for the competition, Yuta Watanabe could be back after being injured against Slovenia. This was announced by coach Tom Hovasse on Wednesday. “It depends on the evolution but he could have come back into play against Slovenia”, Hovasse said. “It’s still a bit painful today, but he’s fine. He had an MRI and everything was fine.
A test for Japan
Largely defeated by New Zealand on August 4, Japan have since recovered against Angola and posted a record of 5 wins and 2 losses in this preparation for the World Cup, of which it is one of the host countries. with the Philippines and Indonesia.
“We want to keep working to prepare for the first round matches against Germany, Australia and Finland but obviously we want to put in a good performance for the fans and win against France.”, Hawkinson said. ” It will be an opportunity for us to learn a lot of things, by facing this physical team. »
Japan will start their World Cup against Germany at Okinawa Arena on August 25. On the same day, France will start against Canada.
Photo credit : Lenoir/The Agency/FFBB
