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'We can't go on like this' - report could seal Noves' fate

By James Harrington
Guy Noves

The future of under-fire France coach Guy Noves is expected to be decided at the weekend – with Bordeaux’s Jacques Brunel reportedly waiting in the wings if FFR President Bernard Laporte decides enough is enough.

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Speculation is also mounting that Laporte may be willing to hand the reins to a foreign coach for the first time in French rugby history after the 2019 World Cup. He has already spoken to current England coach Eddie Jones, reports say.

Vern Cotter and Joe Schmidt, who both have Top 14 experience and speak French, have also been linked to the Marcoussis hot seat. As has Toulon’s new boss Fabien Galthie, Clermont’s Franck Azema, and Pierre Mignoni who has recently signed a new long-term contract with Lyon.

Shortly after Les Bleus escaped with a barely deserved draw against Japan at the U Arena at the end of November, Laporte said he would allow himself a “period of reflection” before deciding on the future direction of the national side.

He initially said his ‘reflection’ would last a fortnight. But he later commissioned FFR vice-president Serge Simon to undertake a root-and-branch investigation into the troubles facing the national side, extending that period to a month.

Many assumed these comments – and the following report, which was delivered on Monday, December 18 – meant that Noves’ job was in jeopardy after a disappointing series in November. As the draw against Japan, France lost to South Africa and twice against New Zealand.

Only the French Barbarians – now the official France ‘A’ side, who were coached by Azema – won their solitary outing, against the New Zealand Maori.

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It has been widely reported that Brunel, who became head coach at Bordeaux following the departure of Raphael Ibanez at the end of last season, will take the job if Noves leaves.

The former Italy boss, who at 63 is the same age as Noves, would be hired on a short-term deal ending after the 2019 World Cup in Japan, reports say. In the meantime, the FFR would begin a search for a longer-term coach to take the country through to the 2023 tournament in France.

It was widely accepted that the France job would be Noves’ last coaching role, so it is no surprise that Laporte would be looking to the post-2019 future. But speculation is mounting that the president’s patience has run out at the national side’s continued poor form. Noves’ record is a dismal seven wins from 21 games.

Simon has, however, insisted that his investigation was not intended as a Noves’ witch hunt.

“[Noves’ future] is neither the goal of the audit or its purpose,” Simon told French sports broadcaster RMC in early December.

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Simon, whose relationship with Noves can best be described as ‘tense’, said that he had been charged to find solutions to help the French team improve in the months and years to come.

“This is not a report on Guy Noves,” Simon said. “I know that’s the question that puzzles everyone … but Bernard Laporte asked for this methodology, because the problem is not that simple. We refuse to oversimplify the French team’s problems as a staff problem.”

Some problems plaguing French rugby were obvious, he said but added that the investigation was intended to “broaden the reflection” and take advantage of a window of opportunity in which interested parties – from players to administrators and Top 14 clubs – were keen to facilitate change.

“Everyone has an opinion, not just on the coach or the guy to be played or not. By collecting a range of views and impressions, we will have a more general view and ideas that we would not have had alone.

“We can’t go on like this, or everyone loses. I sense a genuine willingness on the part of many partners to mobilise so that the French team can overcome its difficulties.”

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Trevor 40 minutes ago
Will forgotten Wallabies fit the Joe Schmidt model?

Thanks Brett.. At last a positive article on the potential of Wallaby candidates, great to read. Schmidt’s record as an international rugby coach speaks for itself, I’m somewhat confident he will turn the Wallaby’s fortunes around …. on the field. It will be up to others to steady the ship off the paddock. But is there a flaw in my optimism? We have known all along that Australia has the players to be very competitive with their international rivals. We know that because everyone keeps telling us. So why the poor results? A question that requires a definitive answer before the turn around can occur. Joe Schmidt signed on for 2 years, time to encompass the Lions tour of 2025. By all accounts he puts family first and that’s fair enough, but I would wager that his 2 year contract will be extended if the next 18 months or so shows the statement “Australia has the players” proves to be correct. The new coach does not have a lot of time to meld together an outfit that will be competitive in the Rugby Championship - it will be interesting to see what happens. It will be interesting to see what happens with Giteau law, the new Wallaby coach has already verbalised that he would to prefer to select from those who play their rugby in Australia. His first test in charge is in July just over 3 months away .. not a long time. I for one wish him well .. heaven knows Australia needs some positive vibes.

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Bull Shark 4 hours ago
Jake White: Are modern rugby players actually better?

Of the rugby I’ve born witness to in my lifetime - 1990 to date - I recognize great players throughout those years. But I have no doubt the game and the players are on average better today. So I doubt going back further is going to prove me wrong. The technical components of the game, set pieces, scrums, kicks, kicks at goal. And in general tactics employed are far more efficient, accurate and polished. Professional athletes that have invested countless hours on being accurate. There is one nation though that may be fairly competitive in any era - and that for me is the all blacks. And New Zealand players in general. NZ produces startling athletes who have fantastic ball skills. And then the odd phenomenon like Brooke. Lomu. Mcaw. Carter. Better than comparing players and teams across eras - I’ve often had this thought - that it would be very interesting to have a version of the game that is closer to its original form. What would the game look like today if the rules were rolled back. Not rules that promote safety obviously - but rules like: - a try being worth 1 point and conversion 2 points. Hence the term “try”. Earning a try at goals. Would we see more attacking play? - no lifting in the lineouts. - rucks and break down laws in general. They looked like wrestling matches in bygone eras. I wonder what a game applying 1995 rules would look like with modern players. It may be a daft exercise, but it would make for an interesting spectacle celebrating “purer” forms of the game that roll back the rules dramatically by a few versions. Would we come to learn that some of the rules/combinations of the rules we see today have actually made the game less attractive? I’d love to see an exhibition match like that.

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