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Six Nations 2017 Preview: How Strong Is Novès' French Revolution?
In the second pre-tournament team preview, James Harrington looks at the chances of the French, who haven’t even bothered to try to flatter to deceive in recent years – but could now be on the rebound.
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What to look out for
A development of the free-running, nerveless, attacking game that France trialled against Australia and New Zealand in November. Please.
Strengths
France boasts a big, powerful, scrum-loving pack – but, even without Wesley Fofana, those backs should scare the living daylights out of just about any team in the world.
Weaknesses
This 21st-century France may – finally – be harking back to the future, but the on-pitch revolution is young, as coach Guy Novès has been busy sorting out the long-standing backroom mess at headquarters in Marcoussis. And now results-led president Bernard Laporte has taken over, there’s a nagging doubt that the joie de jouer that overcame French international rugby in the November internationals may be ditched in favour of a more pragmatic gameplan. Even a new accord between the union and the clubs that has allowed Novès two whole weeks with his squad before the tournament is in Laporte’s sights. You have to really hope that this revolution does not wither and die before it gets a decent run, as Les Bleus were on the fringes of a very French style that could develop into something very special indeed.
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The Man in Charge
Novès cannot be entirely sure of his place now that Laporte is the man in charge at the FFR. The pair have never seen eye to eye – and it had been rumoured that Monsieur le President had sounded out Bordeaux’s Rafael Ibanez for Novès’ job – though the Top 14 club’s current form could have put a temporary halt to that ambition. For now, however, following a long lunch with Laporte’s lieutenant Serge Simon, the gnomic Novès is the man in charge – and the accord that Laporte hates has given him a fortnight with his players. For a man who has won more titles than Donald Trump has signed dubious executive orders, that’s plenty of time. Worse still, for the opponents after England, he’s got them for eight consecutive weeks during the length of the tournament.
Player to watch
Rémi Lamerat. Sure, all the clamour will be about likely starting scrum-half Baptiste Serin, who has made quite an impression since his debut in Argentina in the summer, but watch out for the Clermont centre, who combines Bastareaud power with Fofana guile and pace. In fact, until the latter suffered a season-ending injury the French backline looked certain to feature five of the high-flying Top 14 side’s backs – with Camille Lopez, Lamerat, Noa Nakaitaci and Scott Spedding still very much in the coach’s mind. While the loss of Fofana is a blow for France, the prospect of Lamerat and Toulouse’s Gaël Fickou teaming up in midfield is not a partnership that any opponent would fancy facing.
The Big Match
Le Crunch. It’s always Le Crunch. This time, it’s on the opening weekend – and if France catch England napping it could be game over for a second England Grand Slam and that New Zealand record before the tournament really gets under way. By the same token, it would give Les Bleus a real shot in the arm.
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Prediction
Third. It would be France’s highest position since 2011, a year they also – against all odds – reached the World Cup final. But, French fans are daring to believe once again, and if Novès can start delivering results as well as performances … well, that has got to be good for the game.
Squad
Forwards: Uini Atonio, Cyril Baille, Mohamed Boughanmi, Damien Chouly, Loann Goujon, Kevin Gourdon, Guilhem Guirado, Arthur Iturria, Julien Le Devedec, Bernard le Roux, Yoann Maestri, Clement Maynadier, Louis Picamoles, Fabien Sanconnie, Baptiste Serin, Rabah Slimani, Christopher Tolofua, Sebastien Vahaamahina.
Backs: Mathieu Bastareaud, Djibril Camara, Yann David, Jean-Marc Doussain, Gael Fickou, Yoann Huget, Remi Lamerat, Camille Lopez, Maxime Machenaud, Noa Nakaitaci, Geoffrey Palis, Scott Spedding, Virimi Vakatawa
Comments on RugbyPass
I know Leinster did a job on La Roche but shortly after HT Leinster were 30-13 ahead of them and at a similar time Toulouse were trailing Exeter. At 60 mins Leinster were 27 ahead but after 67 mins Toulouse were only 19 ahead before Exeter collapsed. That’s heavier scoring by Leinster against the Champions. I think people are looking at Toulouses total a little too much. I also think Northhampton are in with a real chance, albeit I’d put Leinster as favourites. If Leinster make the final I expect them to win by more than ten and with control.
2 Go to commentsHey Nick, your match analysis is decent but the top and tail not so much, a bit more random. For a start there’s a seismic difference in regenerating any club side over a test team. EJ pretty much had to urinate with the appendage he’d been given at test level whereas club success is impacted hugely by the budget. Look no further than Boudjellal’s Toulon project for a perfect example. The set ups at La Rochelle and Leinster are like chalk and cheese and you are correct that Leinster are ahead. Leinster are not just slightly ahead though, they are light years ahead on their plans, with the next gen champions cup team already blooded, seasoned and developing at speed from their time manning the fort in the URC while the cream play CC and tests. They have engineered a strong talent conveyor belt into their system, supported by private money funnelled into a couple of Leinster private schools. The really smart move from Leinster and the IRFU however is maximising the Irish Revenue tax breaks (tax relief on the best 10 years earnings refunded at retirement) to help keep all of their stars in Ireland and happy, while simultaneously funding marquee players consistently. And of course Barrett is the latest example. But in no way is he a “replacement for Henshaw”, he’s only there for one season!!! As for Rob Baxter, the best advice you can give him is to start lobbying Parliament and HMRC for a similar state subsidy, but don’t hold your breath… One thing Cullen has been very smart with is his coaching team. Very quickly he realised his need to supplement his skills, there was talk of him exiting after his first couple of years but he was extremely shrewd bringing in Lancaster and now Nienaber. That has worked superbly and added a layer that really has made a tangible difference. Apart from that you were bang on the money… 😉😂
2 Go to commentsNot sure exactly what went wrong for him at Glasgow but it’s pretty clear he ain’t Franco’s cup of tea. Suspect he would have been better served heading out of Scotland around the same time as Finn, Hoggy and Jonny!
1 Go to commentsBulls disrespected the Northampton supporters and the competition. Decide quickly, fully in or out.
24 Go to commentsI wonder if Parling was ever on England’s radar as a coach? Obviously Borthwick is a great lineout coach, but I do worry he might be taking on too much as both head coach and forwards coach.
1 Go to commentsJason Jenkins has one cap. When Etzebeth was his age he had over 80 caps. Experience matters. He will never amount to what Etzebeth has because he hasn’t been developed as an international player.
2 Go to commentsSays much about the player picking this gig over the easier and bigger rewards offered to him in Japan. Also says a lot about the state sanctioned tax benefits the Irish Revenue offers pro rugby players, with their ten highest earning years subject to an additional 40% tax relief and paid as a lump sum, in cash, at retirement. Certainly helps Leinster line up the financial ducks in a row to fund marquee signings like this!!! No other union anywhere in world rugby benefits from this kind of lucrative financial sponsorship from their government…
5 Go to commentsTrue Jordie could earn a lot more in Japan. But by choosing Leinster he’ll be playing with 1 of the best clubs in the world and can win a champions cup and URC…..
6 Go to commentsThanks for that Marshy, noticed you didn't say who is gonna win it. We know who ain't gonna win it - your Crusaders outfit. They've gone from having arguably the best Super Rugby first five ever, to having a clutch of rookies. Hurricanes all the way!
1 Go to commentsGeez you really have to question the NRLs ability to produce players of quality. Its pathetic. Dont the 25mil in Aus produce enough quality womens players. Sad.
1 Go to commentsBulls fan here, and agree 100% with the conclusion (and little else) of this article. SA sides should absolutely f-off from the champs cup until we get fair scheduling, equal support for travel arrangements and home semis. You know, like all the european teams get.
24 Go to commentsI’m yet to see why Grace would be an ABs contender. He’s pedestrian and lacks the dominance required of a top flight 8.
11 Go to commentsGee my Highlanders were terrible. They have gone backwards since the start of the season. The trouble began when we left Millar behind to prep as the 10 against the Brumbies and he was disconnected from the team that came back from Aussie. We rested Patchell for that game and we blew an avalanche of ball in good attacking positions in the 1st half. Against the Rebels we seem to of gone into a pod system with forwards hanging off from the breakdown leaving Fakatava to secure our ball!
80 Go to commentsPot Kettle, the English and French teams have done it for years.
24 Go to commentsHas virtually played every minute of previous games. Back row of Li Lo Willie , Grace and Blackadder would be the 1. Crusaders issue is a very average 1st 5 who cannot run. Kicking in general play is also below par They need to put Yong Kemara in. He must have so.e talent for them to bring him down from Waikato. Hoehepa would struggle to play in so.e club sided
11 Go to commentsI hope this a good thing making all these changes!
3 Go to commentsThe Hurricanes are good, especially with a decent coach now. However, let’s be real, the Crusaders and Chiefs are clearly a good degree weaker without the players they’ve lost overseas now. The Canes lost one player. It’s also why the aussie teams ‘seem’ to be stronger.
9 Go to commentsOr you could develop your own players instead of constantly taking from the SH competition and weakening it in the process? With all the player and financial resources these unions have compared to SH countries you’d think they could manage that, or is weakening the SH comps and their national sides an added bonus? Probably.
3 Go to commentsNot so fast Aaron, we might need you in black yet lol. God knows he’d be a lot less nerve-racking than hot and (very) cold players like Perofeta. It’s really a shame Reuben Love isn’t playing 10, we’ve got enough 15 options.
4 Go to commentsAnd those from the NH still seem to be puzzled (and delighted) why NZ’s depth isn’t what it once was. Over 600 NZ players overseas, that’s insane. This sort of deal is why Super Rugby coaches have admitted they struggle now to find enough quality to fill out their squads.
6 Go to comments