Chabal pulls out of Six Nations opener

Question

France lock Sebastien Chabal has been ruled out of the team’s Six Nations opener against Scotland because of a back injury. Toulouse’s uncapped lock Yoann Maestri is now expected to deputise.

This injury blow could well hamper France’s chances of winning the championship as Chabal becomes the second lock to pull out of the game after Romain Millo-Chluski.