France conducted a light training session on Sunday morning at Ballymore Stadium in Brisbane, one that was closed to the public.
The training signalled an end to their brief recovery period after successfully adapting to the change in time zones – they arrived in Australia from Paris on Wednesday morning.
Garbajosa and Brouzet in training
Xavier Garbajosa and Olivier Brouzet, who have not trained in Brisbane until now, completed the run on Sunday morning.
The same could not be said however of Gérald Merceron and Yannick Jauzion, who left the paddock early with minor injuries. The pair will resume training today with the grievance not expected to cause French officials any real concern.
Sylvain Marconnet is still recovering from a leg injury which will keep him out of France's opening match against Fiji. According to the teams media spokesman Lionel Rossigneux, the prop will focus instead on time in the weight room.
“Marconnet won’t train until the Sunday after the game against Fiji,” Rossigneux said.
Real preparation begins today
Sunday was a final moment of relaxation for the French, players taking time off to go to the zoo, whilst others choosing fishing.
The real preparation for their 11 October encounter with Fiji however will begin today, the intensity stepping up with opposed contact sessions.
Tonight at 18:00 French training will be open to the public, this open session continuing every Monday night through the Tournament.
The composition of the French team to play their opening match of Rugby World Cup 2003 will be announced on 8 October.