Another selection blow for France ahead of semi-final clash

France have suffered another blow in the build-up to Saturday’s Women’s Rugby World Cup semi-final against heavily fancied England with the injury withdrawal of star winger Joanna Grisez.

She suffered a thigh injury and missed training during the week but had been included in the team to take on the hosts when it was named on Thursday in the hope she would be ready for the clash at Ashton Gate.

But France have belatedly withdrawn Grisez, who played a decisive role against Ireland in the quarter-finals, the French Rugby Federation said.

She has been replaced by Kelly Arbey with Emilie Boulard drafted onto the substitutes' bench.

France are already under strength for their clash after suspensions to captain Manae Feleu and loose forward Axelle Berthoumieu and the concussion of flyhalf Lina Queyroi.