Time at home for Marsh ahead of bid for World Cup place

New Zealand-born centre Tony Marsh remains part of France's World Cup plans as his recovery from cancer continues.

Marsh is with his family in Manurewa this week while the French prepare to meet the All Blacks.

After being sidelined for more than a year, he is likely to join his former national squad team-mates in Paris next month and appears a strong chance to be named in their 30-strong World Cup squad.

Marsh, 30, had an operation on March 5 to remove a tumour and completed chemotherapy a month ago.

French manager Jo Maso, one of France's greatest midfield backs, is an admirer of Marsh and is confident he will be back this year.

Marsh played for Counties-Manukau at NPC level and the Crusaders in the Super 12.

After struggling for game time, he signed with French club Montferrand in 1998 and played the first of his 11 tests for France against South Africa in November 2001.

His health problems became evident after France won the Six Nations Grand Slam last year.

He had formed an impressive midfield partnership with Damien Traille, who will play in the test tomorrow.

France have struggled to fill Marsh's position, with Thomas Castaignede's return at centre producing mixed returns.

- NZPA