Pelous ruled out of Ireland clash

France v Ireland
Stade de France, Paris
Friday, 21 September
Kick-off: 2000 BST
Live coverage on BBC Radio 5live, Radio Ulster MW & the BBC Sport website

Fabien Pelous has been ruled out of France's pivotal World Cup clash against Ireland on Friday because of a knee injury.

The lock forward sustained the injury after coming on as a replacement in the second half of Sunday's 87-10 win against Namibia.

Pelous was forced to leave the field shortly before the final whistle.

Captain Raphael Ibanaez and Imanol Harinordoquy are also fitness doubt for Friday's game.

Captain and hooker Ibanez received a blow to the throat in the match against Namibia and, having undergone tests on Monday, he will be looked at again on Tuesday.

Harinordoquy is a doubt because of a thumb injury.

David Skrela has already been ruled out after injuring his Achilles tendon in the 17-12 against Argentina.

The French team for Friday's game will be announced on Wednesday.

The team had been scheduled to be selected on Tuesday.

"It is to give ourselves some time, to speak to the players and take the right decisions," said team manager Jo Maso.

Ten Toulouse players started against Namibia - including Vincent Clerc who scored three tries after being recalled to the starting line-up.

Clerc, who scored a last-gasp try to secure a memorable win for Les Bleus at Croke Park in the Six Nations in February, said: "The World Cup has started for us now.

"It was easy against 14 men, but perhaps we would have done the same against 15.

"We must put it into context and not be too satisfied with the win. Ireland will be a step up."

France : (tba)

Ireland : Dempsey; Horgan, O'Driscoll, capt, D'Arcy, Trimble; O'Gara, Reddan; Horan, Flannery, Hayes, O'Callaghan, O'Connell, Easterby, D Wallace, Leamy. Replacements : Sheahan, S Best, O'Kelly, N Best, Boss, P Wallace, Duffy.

Source: BBC Sport