WALES could be handed a massive boost with the news that French flanker Serge Betsen could miss next weekend's game at Stade de France.

Betsen has been a key member of France's revival in recent years and was colossal for his side in their 18-17 victory over England on Sunday.

The French flanker is struggling with a leg injury and has been ruled out of Biarritz's French championship match against Agen on Saturday.

The 30-year-old will undergo a scan on his right leg on Thursday to check on any damage to his thigh muscle. French coach Bernard Laporte will name his side next Tuesday after releasing his squad yesterday.

"It breaks my heart to sideline players who defeated England at Twickenham but we are in a rebuilding process," said Laporte.

"Since we are aiming at excellence, we must boost the squad.

"If we've made so many changes in the squad after winning at Twickenham it's because we are not satisfied with our performance.

"We are perfectly aware that we could have lost and we have a lot of progress to make, especially on the offensive side."

Wales skills coach Scott Johnson is a long-standing admirer of Betsen and knows his worth to the French side. He said: "I remember watching Betsen play against England a couple of years back and he completely took Jonny Wilkinson out of the game.

"He is a wonderful defender in what is probably one of the two best rugby defences in the world."