Heymans provides fillip for troubled hosts France

Wyn Griffiths
Saturday 15 September 2007 00:00 BST
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The France winger Cedric Heymans is confident he will be fit to face Namibia tomorrow. The Toulouse flyer has been nursing a minor leg injury that has forced him to miss training this week. But he returned yesterday and is sure he will be ready.

"Physically, I am getting better and better," he said. "I am jogging and I am sprinting so I am not worried." Heymans played at full back in the shock 17-12 defeat to Argentina last Friday, but will return to his usual position on the wing against Namibia.

Akapusi Qera has recovered from a knee injury and will take his place in a Fiji lineup featuring two changes for tomorrow's game against Canada. Qera scored twice before going off injured in Fiji's opening 35-31 win over Japan on Wednesday.

Coach Ilie Tabua has made two changes to the forwards to face Canada, with veteran lock Ifereimi Rawaqa recalled in place of Wame Lewaravu and Jone Railomo replacing Henry Qiodravu in the front row.

Tonga, who beat USA in their first game, have made three changes to the team for tomorrow's all-Polynesian clash with Samoa. In come scrum-half Enele Taufa for Soane Havea, lock Inoke Afeaki for Lisiate Fa'aoso, and hooker Ephraim Taukafa for Aleki Lutui for the Group A match at the Stade de la Mosson.

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