Bernard Laporte has reportedly asked for an exemption that would allow Paris’ Stade de France to welcome 55,000 fans for the rescheduled Six Nations match against Ireland on October 31.
The country is currently imposing a ban on events featuring more than 5,000 people is currently set to run until October 30 – the day before the Six Nations match.
The president of the French Rugby Federation has revealed that a request has been made to accommodate 55,000 fans for the Six Nations clash at the end of the month, as well as France’s planned warm-up match against Wales on October 24.
“We are waiting for the answer but we think we can have it today. We have this first optimistic scenario, but our treasurer has planned another with a gauge of 5,000 fans. One thing is certain – the matches will be played.”
JOIN THE RUCK:
What the England XV would look like based on last weekend
BACK THREE
15. Max Malins (Bristol Bears) - Beat a couple of defenders and will only get better, although he may see more time at 10 when Charles Piutau returns.
14. Ruaridh McConnochie (Bath Rugby) - The speedster, as he had promised in the build-up, was clearly determined to show the England coaching contingent he has not lost the X-factor which earned him World Cup squad selection in Japan last year.
11. Olly Woodburn (Exeter Chiefs) - Normally finishing off tries but Woodburn turned provider on Friday against Sale, setting up tries for Sam Simmonds and Stuart Hogg.
CENTRE
13. Henry Slade (Exeter Chiefs): His absolutely brilliant no look inside pass set up Sam Simmonds opening try. Different gravy.
12: Manu Tuilagi (Sale Sharks) - The powerhouse ran rampant over arguably the most physical side in the Gallagher Premiership over the last five years in Exeter Chiefs. Faded as the game went on but there were some positive signs.
HALF-BACKS
10. Owen Farrell (Saracens) - The England fly-half was coolness personified as they overcame Harlequins 38-24. Farrell, making his 200th appearance for the north London club, managed the game to perfection while also scoring 18 points with his boot.
9. Ben Spencer (Bath Rugby) - He's really shone since joining Bath, and this weekend his tactical kicking and passing were particularly excellent against Leicester Tigers.
1. Lewis Boyce (Bath Rugby) - Bath's packed really did a number on a heavily-changed Leicester side at Welford Road, with Boyce being ths standout star of that front-row.
2. Luke Cowan-Dickie (Exeter Chiefs) - Precice line-out throwing, relentless scrummaging and a try to put the icing on the cake at the AJ Bell Stadium on Friday night. Almost a perfect performance from the England hooker.
3. Will Stuart (Bath Rugby) - One of a number of Bath’s big ball-carriers who made some real dents, making 32 metres from his eight carries. Also opened the try-scoring for the visitors. Hobbled off after another massive shift.
4. Nick Isiekwe (Northampton Saints) - The powerful second-row, who signed on loan from Saracens, was named man of the match against London Irish as England attack coach Simon Amor watched on. Consistently stole the Exiles ball at the lineout and also topped the tackle charts with 15.
5. Maro Itoje (Saracens) - The lock scored from short range in the opening 40, his fourth try in four games for Sarries, before providing the scoring pass for Alex Lewington to score late on. He also made 13 tackles.
BACK-ROW
6. Gabriel Oghre (Wasps) - Made some eye-catching, physical carries and solid in defence too on his first start against Worcester. The 22-year-old was an impressive tail gunner in the lineout also.
7. Ben Earl (Bristol Bears) - It was an excellent night for Bristol's new signings against Gloucester, with Earl joining Malins and Radradra on the scoresheet.
8. Billy Vunipola (Saracens) - Much more purposeful with his carrying, especially early on and stuck at it throughout. His best performance in a Saracens shirt for a while.
Look at that finish from Ruaridh McConnochie!
With Eddie Jones smiling on from the stands, the @bathrugby winger shows what he's all about 💥
Brilliant strength to swat defenders away and reach the try line!
#RugbyRestart
No time wasted 😤
@ExeterChiefs cross the try line after 95 seconds and it Sam Simmonds with the finish!
Henry Slade's skip pass made this one, wait for the replay 😍
#RugbyRestart
"Give that man a platform, he will give you the gain line!"
This is what you get from Manu Tuilagi 💥
One, two, three, four defenders trying to stop him, loads of room Tom Curry to sneak over and hit back for @SaleSharksRugby!
#RugbyRestart
Man of the Match on his debut, tears are flowing! We couldn’t be more proud of him! We’ll certainly be celebrating later..what a turn around and cracking second half from the Saints 🙌😇🔥