Is France's Bastareaud being rested for the Italy game?

Thursday 11 March 2010
Published By: Amy Nicholson
Six Nations > Italy

Mathieu Bastareaud has been dropped to the bench for France's game against Italy at the Stade de France on Sunday.

He will be replaced in the starting line-up by Perpignan's David Marty in one of three changes by coach Marc Lievremont.

Many have speculated that Bastareaud is being rested for the expected victory against the Italians, with the prospect of a Grand Slam game against England in Paris next Saturday.

The other changes see Marc Andreu replaced by Julien Malzieu on the right wing, while the half-back Dimitri Yachvili has been brought in for the injured Frederic Michalak on the bench.

"France will be expected to win comfortably despite Italy's battling displays this year and close in further on the Grand Slam," the Guardian said.

At the moment, the only thing which appears capable of derailing France's hopes of a championship victory is the weather, with severe snowstorms currently sweeping the country ahead of the final two home games.

Posted by Amy Nicholson