Rugby: Elissalde to miss All Blacks test<BR>

MARCOUSSIS, FRANCE - France halfback and goalkicker Jean-Baptiste Elissalde has been ruled out of Saturday's international against New Zealand with a rib injury.

"Jean-Baptiste was injured in last Saturday's match against Argentina. X-rays showed he would not be fit to play next weekend," team doctor Thierry Hermerel said on Wednesday at the French training camp.

Coach Bernard Laporte did not immediately name a replacement.

Elissalde, 26, has won nine caps. He kicked 17 points to help France defeat Australia 27-14 in the first test of their November series at the Stade de France on November 13.

He was replaced by first five-eighths Frederic Michalak in the 59th minute of the Argentina game with Julien Peyrelongue taking over at number 10.

- REUTERS