The France staff delivered the bad news on Thursday evening, one more of them: Emmanuel Meafou (10 caps) is out of France’s second test match against Fiji, on Saturday at 9.10pm in Bordeaux.

Yet another blow for France, who will have to do without Emmanuel Meafou. The powerful Stade Toulousain lock is ill and will be unable to take his place against Fiji on Saturday night in Bordeaux (9pm).

As a direct consequence of this latest withdrawal, Romain Taofifenua (57 caps), originally a “finisher”, steps up into the engine room alongside Charles Ollivon. A first cap is in sight for Pau’s Jimi Maximin, who takes a place on the bench, as does UBB hooker Maxime Lamothe.

A sizeable absence given that Fabien Galthié’s men will be tested physically by Fiji.