France have suffered a double blow, with two big players ruled out of Saturday night’s marquee clash with New Zealand.
Cros started last weekend’s game against Japan, but was substituted at half-time due to a head injury, which he has failed to recover from.
Winger Penaud did not feature against The Brave Blossoms last Saturday after being taken ill, and he has also failed to recover in time to make the line-up for what could be a thrilling match against the All Blacks at the Stade de France.
France haven’t called any other players into their squad, and they have a tight turnaround with Argentina heading to the Stade de France on Friday, November 22, for Les Blues’ final match of the Autumn Nations Series.
As such, they will be hoping both players recover in time to bolster their ranks.
Sam Darry has also left the New Zealand squad after suffering a knee injury.
France have won their last two matches against the All Blacks, in the 2021 Autumn Nations Series and in the opening match at last year’s World Cup.
New Zealand did not play France in the 2022 Autumn Nations Series, but were on a 14-match winning streak against Les Bleus until France finally got the better of their opponents in Paris in that 2021 clash.