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.
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.
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 hope WRU cops a 12 month ban.
1 Go to commentsOuch. Pumped. Even Nohamba is a better flyhalf than Ford.
2 Go to commentsI hope Leinster’s proud of themselves fielding a poor team. They should decide if they’re all in or not.
2 Go to commentsJordie is looking at 16 games maximum if Leinster reach both the URC and champions cup finals. Thats not guaranteed. Some of those home URC fixtures will be cakewalks as well for Leinster and there is not much doing during the 6 nations in Feb and March so he can probably get a decent rest then. He will have to really put in it for maybe 7 or 8 games max. It should be a good move for both.
13 Go to commentsThe game was a quarter final, not a semi final. Barrett will be here for 6 months, he is no one's replacement at 13. That mantle will most likely ultimately go to Jamie Osborne, though Garry Ringrose has at least 4 more years in him. The long term problem position (in the next 3 years) for Leinster is tighthead prop, though there are a couple of prospects at schools level.
31 Go to commentsSo much for all that hype surrounding the ‘revival’ of Aussie rugby. The Blues were without the likes of regular starters Perofeta, Sullivan, Christie etc… This was a capitulation of the highest order by Australia’s finest. Joe Schmidt definitely has his work cut out for him.
2 Go to commentsYes they can ignore Sotutu. Like Akira Ioane plays OK at Super level but gets lost in tests. Too many chances too many failures.
2 Go to commentsA wallaby front-row of Bell, Blake and Tupou…now that would be hefty
1 Go to comments“But with an exceptional pass accuracy rating “ Which apart from Roigard is not a feature of any of the other 9s in NZ. Kind of basic for a Black 9 dont.you. think? Yet we keep seeing FC and TJ being rated ahead of him? Weird if it’s seen as vital to get our backline beating in your face defences.
1 Go to commentsThanks BeeMc! Looks like many teams need extra time to settle from the quadrennial northern migration. I think generally the quality of the Rugby has held up. Fiji has been fantastic and fun to watch
13 Go to commentsLets compare apples with apples. Lyon sent weak team the week before, but nobody raised an eyebrow. Give the South African teams a few years to build their depth, then you will be moaning that the teams are too strong.
41 Go to commentsDid footballs agents also perform the scout role at some time? I’m surprised more high profile players haven’t taken up the occupation, great way to remain in the game and use all that experience without really requiring a lot of specific expertise?
1 Go to commentsSuper rugby is struggling but that has little to do with sabbaticals. 1. Too many teams from Aust and NZ - should be 3 and 4 respectively, add in 2 from Japan, 1 possibly 2 from Argentina. 2. Inconsistent and poor refereeing, admittedly not restricted to Super rugby. Only one team was reffed at the breakdown in Reds v H’Landers match. Scrum penalty awarded in Canes v Drua when No 8 had the ball in the open with little defence nearby - ideal opportunity to play advantage. Coming back to Reds match - same scrum situation but ref played advantage - Landers made 10 yards and were penalised at the breakdown when the ref should have returned to scrum penalty. 3. Marketing is weak and losing ground to AFL and NRL. Playing 2 days compared with 4. 4. Scheduling is unattractive to family attendance. Have any franchises heard of Sundays 2pm?
13 Go to commentsAbsolutely..all they need is a chance in yhe playoffs and I bet all the other teams will be nervous…THEY KNOW HOW TO WIN IM THE PLAYOFFS..
2 Go to commentsI really hope he comes back and helps out with some coaching.
1 Go to commentsI think we are all just hoping that the Olympic 7s doesn’t suffer the same sad fate as the last RWC with the officials ruining the spectacle.
1 Go to commentsPersonally, I’ve lost the will to even be bothered about the RFU, the structure, the participants. It’s all a sham. I now simply enjoy getting a group of friends together to go and watch a few games a year in different locations (including Europe, the championship, etc). I feel extremely sorry for the real fans of these clubs who are constantly ignored by the RFU and other administrators. I feel especially sorry for the fans of clubs in the Championship who have had considerable central funding stripped away and are then expected to just take whatever the RFU put to them. Its all a sham, especially if the failed clubs are allowed to return.
10 Go to commentsI’m guessing Carl Hayman would have preferred to have stayed in NZ with benefit of hindsight. Up north there is the expectation to play twice as many games with far less ‘player management’ protocols that Paul is now criticising. Less playing through concussions means longer, healthier, careers. Carter used as the eg here by Paul, his sabbatical allowed him to play until age 37. OK its not an exact science but there is far more expectations on players who sign for Top 14 or Engl Prem clubs to get value for the huge salaries. NZR get alot wrong but keeping their best players in NZ rugby is not one of them. SA clubs are virtually devoid of their top players now, no thanks. They cant threaten the big teams in the Champions Cup, the squads have little depth. Cant see Canes/Chiefs struggling. Super has been great this year, fantastic high skill matches. Drua a fantastic addition and Jaguares will add another quality team eventually. Aus teams performing strongly and no doubt will benefit with the incentive of a Lions tour and a home RWC. Let Jordie enjoy his time with Leinster, it will allow the opportunity for another player to emerge at Canes in his absence.
13 Go to commentsLove that man, his way to despise angry little men is so funny ! 😂
6 Go to comments“South African franchises would be powerhouses if we had all our overseas based players back in situ. We would have the same unbeatable aura the Toulouses, Leinsters or Saracens of this world have had over the last decade or so.” Proof that Jake white does not understand the economics of the game in SA. Players earning abroad are not going to simply come back and represent the bulls. But they might if they have a springbok contract.
27 Go to comments