Marconnet misses out on France squad

Toulouse flanker Thierry Dus­autoir will skipper France’s 30-strong World Cup squad to travel to New Zealand for the September 9-October 23 tournament.

Coach Marc Lievremont unveiled his list in the Irish capital the day after watching his side complete their match preparations with a 26-22 win over Ireland.

Two players, props Sylvain Marconnet and Thomas Domingo, were omitted from the 32-strong squad that has been preparing for the World Cup over the last month.

As expected, there was no place also for fan favourite Sebastien Chabal who has been out of favour since the last Six Nations tournament.

Lievremont, who will be in charge of his World Cup campaign said that it had been a tough choice to leave behind Domingo and especially Marconnet a ­35-year-old veteran with 84 caps with whom he played in the national side.

Marconnet, France’s most capped prop, said he was stunned by his omission.

“Already four years ago I didn’t make it due to injury and I was dreaming of taking part this time, but sadly that dream has been shattered,” he said.

“It’s a real let down and I wasn’t expecting it. I have almost certainly played my last game for France, but life goes on.”

There were no other surprises in Lievremont’s selection with winger Aurelien Rougerie having proved his fitness in the game against Ireland.

France will leave for New Zealand on August 29 and will open against Japan in North ­Harbour on September 10 before taking on Canada, New Zealand and Tonga.