Praise: Saint-André & Michalak
France coach Philippe Saint-André believes that England are favourites for the Six Nations after their victory over New Zealand.
Les Bleus are many people's tip for the title after four consecutive victories during the November Internationals, but Saint-André was quick to deflect the attention away from his side by acknowledging England's effort against the All Blacks and their three home fixtures.
"We need to be honest - with the performance they put in against New Zealand and three matches at home, England are the favourites," said Saint-André.
"Our target is to do better than last year and I think we are outsiders - French people love to be outsiders so we are happy with that."
Pascal Papé has been chosen to lead the French side with Thierry Dusautoir still returning from injury, with Saint-André praising Papé's relationship with the younger players in the national squad.
"Pascal did a great job in November, winning four consecutive matches, plus Thierry [Dusautoir] was injured until a few weeks ago so it gives him time to focus on himself and to get back his form," added Saint-André.
"With Pascal, what you see is what you get. He gels well with the young players but they also respect him - he has a lot of charisma and the spirit of the team is very important.
"Thierry is a fantastic captain but with a new group of players coming in Pascal did a great job, so I think it's fair to carry on with him.
"Thierry will play this week on Friday so for him as with all the players we will keep out fingers crossed for no more injuries. He's in the squad of 33 and we have three days together from Saturday to Monday and then we will see if he makes the 23."
France have less preparation time than any other side in the tournament, a regulation that Saint-André bemoaned, highlighting the example of England's Elite Player Squad agreement as the best way forward.
"It's frustrating. We need to try to be as focused as possible in the few days that we have - but I think we have fantastic potential. We showed this in November, but for the Six Nations it is like running the 100 metres and starting ten metres behind everybody else," he added.
"Between the league, the Federation and the players - we need to look after our best 33/34 players like England do. Although Bernard Laporte said the same thing and so did Marc Lièvremont, so for the next coach after me perhaps everything will be in place.
"On Monday night we will try and pick the side that we feel are in the best shape physically and mentally. The problem for French rugby is consistency - winning four matches in November was a big achievement - but we start with a tough game against Italy.
"They are a good side and they were unlucky to lose against Australia in November."
With a squad packed full of young talent including Wesley Fofana, Brice Dulin, Jocelino Suta and more, captain Papé believes the new generation can be very successful.
"I hope that this new generation will do well," said Papé.
"They have a lot of spirit and ambition and I'm happy to guide them in the right direction. There's not a lot of difference between the younger players and older guys - we all play our role and I'm not worried about them."
Two familiar faces will be returning to the French squad however in Frédéric Michalak and Matheu Bastareaud, with both players in good form according to Saint-André.
"Frédéric brings a lot of flair but also experience," stated Saint-André.
"He is still a young man and it helped him to have a good pre-season in South Africa, which is something we do not have in France due to 11 months of competition.
"He is playing scrum-half for Toulon but I will pick him at fly-half for France. In the Top 14 you have Jonny Wilkinson, Luke McAlister, Brock James and so on, so you need to find a fly-half.
"Fly-halves are like good French wine - the older you are the better you are. He has slowly matured and just become a Dad and now his rugby is completely different.
"In November he was just happy to be part of the team and play with the guys around him and he did fantastically well. We have Francois Trinh-Duc as well, so we have options, but Frédéric played very well in November.
"Mathieu is in a team with plenty of competition, he has improved his fitness and is starting to play well for Toulon.
"We have a lot of competition at centre with Maxime Mermoz, Wesley Fofana, Florian Fritz and Bastareaud but now he is playing well for his club he deserves to be back in the squad. As for whether Fofana will play wing or centre - he is a good footballer!"
by Ben Coles
@bencoles_
Comments
Bambo says...
kiwi roster - Really enjoyed your comments. I learned something which isn't often the way with many PR posters. Rosbif too. 6N is going to be fun whatever happens.
Posted 10:47 26th January 2013
Rosbif says...
Thanks KiwiRooster. You make many interesting points that deserve some proper discussion! I'm tied up now but will reply tomorrow. Kind regards, R.
Posted 22:02 24th January 2013
KiwiRooster says...
My mistake, Vincent Martin is a fullback not a fly-half.
I hope you are right Rosbif about O'connor but I thought now was the right time to bring in him, especially since there is not a great deal of competition on the wings. Plus I do not find Fofana as audacious on the wing as he is at centre. France always had power at centre, lots of it, but never speed. It would be mind-boggling to ignore that perfect mix of velocity and power PSA has at his disposal between Fofana and Fickou in one hand, Fritz, Bastareaud and David in the other.
Truth being said, there is nothing better than specialists. The only true "utility players" worth bringing into a team are the likes of Luke McAllister, Maxime Médard, Nick Evans, Matt Giteau, etc. There aren't too many of them around. But I still remember Damien Traille at 10 or 15, or the suggestion to use Yannick Jauzion at 10. I found it more desperate than desperate housewives.
Lièvremont missed out on two players when it mattered most for France in my view: Jonathan Wisniewski and Fabrice Estebanez.
We did not have a complete playmaker at 10 (since Michalak was out of contention) and Jauzion was already outpaced at international level. Marc Lièvremont picked Estebanez during a game against Fiji and he really brought something fresh, something France never had before a "league player" type of center (which he was incidently). Trinh-Duc shortage in the domain of tactical kicking could have been lifted from Estebanez boot. But just like Wisniewski or Dupuy he never reappeared until RWC 2011. Hardly the best timing to reappear :-)
So I really hope PSA is going to bring the likes of O'connor soon enough instead of moving the current crop of players around. We know Fofana can play on the wing, but utility players should only be used carefully when there are no better options. France is lucky enough to have these options.
Posted 21:54 24th January 2013
KiwiRooster says...
@Rosbif, always good to read your comments. I was still reading those excellent PR articles but not commenting mostly due to the fact I was not very excited with France in recent time. Not that it was Marc Lièvremont's entire fault, I actually found him to be a good coach, full of passion for the game.
What left me frustrated though was the inability, not just in the French team but also in the Top 14 to understand the role of a fly-half and his scrum-half, and the way they work together.
There is (was?) a strong perception in France that a number 9 should be the playmaker. So much so that in many Top 14 clubs, the 9 literally creates a void at 10 and I just hate it. Take Biarritz Olympique, brilliant number 9 in Yachvili but their number 10 has no influence on the game.
Typically, this misconception led Michalak to be out of contention for a while (that and probably more personal reasons I would suspect).
A coach must be capable of making tough calls and there is a big one on the trot for PSA. It is no secret that the pair made of Morgan Parra and François Trinh-Duc never worked. Strangely enough, I found Julien Dupuy provided a better launchpad for Trinh-Duc but he never reappeared for France. So Marc Lièvremont was not capable of making that call. Loyalty, trust, belief, call it what it is. Bernard Laporte was the extreme opposite. PSA must balance it all.
Today, Morgan Parra is essential for Clermont, but not as essential as Brock James. James is technically gifted enough to cope with Parra's... little moments of absence let's call it. Trinh-Duc is not. And the proof is in the pudding: between Parra Trinh-Duc and Paillaugue Trinh-Duc, the Montpol fly-half seems like two different players.
So here is the tough call for PSA that Lièvremont could not make: Parra or Trinh-Duc? Keep one, leave the other.
Posted 21:01 24th January 2013
KiwiRooster says...
Regarding the "favourite" tag, I do believe there is a misunderstanding between the way a team can play and the result they get out of it.
To chose between Leicester and Stade Toulousain, it is fair to say Stade Toulousain was the favourite on paper, but they still managed to lose even though they tried to play an ambitious game. They lost more than Leicester won but at the end the result is what it is.
So the same could be said between France and England, except for the fact England lost to the Wallabies and beat the All Blacks. France beat the Wallabies and a brave Pumas team, but did not play the number one team. So between the two, it is a tough call.
England is always going to be favourite against France in Twickenham though. For me that is a certainty and I am pretty sure the stats will show just that. So, even though most people will consider it a mind game, there is no doubt PSA will approach the game as an outsider, and so he should.
Besides, even if France was hot favourite which it is not in my view, it is still hugely important for the next World Cup to be capable of beating England on their home turf. You have to win those games.
There is one last thing I have noticed before every 6 Nations Crunch for the last 5 years or so: English players still mention the Crunch as it is, they are comfortable with it, they await it. Conversely and that is only my perception, even the most influential French players (I remember Harinordoquy) tend to underrate it, saying it is just like any other game. So I do believe England often had the edge on the psychological approach or whatever it is called.
France does not work that way but they are capable of bringing that edge to their game. Only in order to achieve that feat, they need to approach the English the exact same way they have approached the All Blacks on every big occasion.
Posted 20:25 24th January 2013
Rosbif says...
Ah kiwirooster, where have you been? Welcome back any way, and good to have your analysis again. Where to begin? So much talent. But never enough time together as a squad. And always tired from too much rugby in Top14.... And the famous mischievous and fickle temperament!
I agree with your analysis re Clerc and age. By my reckoning, Mas, Pape and Clerc are the three oldest guys. For the two forwards, that's fine. They will still be OK in 2015. And you need some old heads in the pack. But on the wing? I agree, we need some freshening there in next few seasons.
PSA has brought in Plante ahead of Palisson, Medard and Malzieu who have all been around the set-up in the past, so he wants to take a closer at new faces I guess. O'Connor is definitely on his radar since he was picked for the BaBas vs Japan game last November. And I agree with you. He is a real talent. Then you have Martial, Vincent Martin (who is a wing not a fly-half I think?) and a few other youngsters too.
My biggest relief is that we are beginning to see the emergence of a true successor to Galthie (and before him Berbizier) as our no.9. Machenaud!
And we finally have a no10 with maturity and game awareness (and who can now kick goals which he never could in the past). Michalak!
And world talent at 8: Picamoles!
So long as 8, 9 and 10 are good (they are already calling it "MIch-Mach"), the pack and the outside backs will always be full of talent in a country like France.
Then it comes down to where I started. Time together. And a ruling that allows more rest for "elite" players during Top14. And temperament. How much do they really want it (given the bigger paycheques they are starting to get used to in T14?)
ALLEZ !!!!!!
Posted 19:14 24th January 2013
KiwiRooster says...
France XV (hopefully sooner than later) and current reservoir:
A=likely replacements
X=watch out for these guys
1.Forestier
2.Swarzewski
3.Mas
4.Maestri
5.Pape
6.Nyanga
7.Ouedraogo (or Dusautoir if he is fit)
8.Picamoles
9.Machenaud
10.Michalak
11.O'connorX
12.Fofana
13.Bastareaud
14.Clerc
15.Dulin
Bench: Domingo, Debaty, Guirado, Suta, Trinh-Duc, Fritz, Médard.
Reserve: Ben ArousX, Kayser, Vahaamahina, LauretX, GalanX, PaillaugueX, FickouX, Huget.
Contention: Luc DucalconA (prop), Raphael ChaumeX (prop), Clement RicX (prop), Yohan Montes (prop), Fabien Barcella (prop), Vincent Pelo (prop), Yvan Watremez (prop), Jerome Schuster (prop), David AttoubA (prop), Florian FresiaX (prop), Christopher TolofuaX (hooker), Jean-Charles OrioliX (hooker), Russlan BoukerouX (2nd row), Romain TaofifenuaX (2nd row), Christophe Samson (2nd row), Loic Jacquet (2nd row), Mickael de Marco (2nd row), Ali Fakate (2nd row), Pierrick GuntherX (flanker), Alexandre Lapandry (flanker), Sylvain NicolasX (flanker), Camille GerondeauX (flanker/8), Arthur Chollon (flanker), Antoine Burban (flanker), Antoine Battut (flanker), Damien Chouly (8), Morgan ParraA (scrum-half), Sébastien Tillous-Borde (scrum-half), Mathieu Belie (scrum-half), Julien Dupuy (scrum-half), Jean-Marc DoussainA (scrum-half), Jonathan Wisniewski (fly-half), Jean-Pascal BarraqueX (fly-half), Jules PlissonX (fly-half), Vincent MartinX (fly-half), Yann DavidA (centre), Maxime MermozA (centre), Benjamin PetreX (centre), Thomas Combezou (centre), Henry ChavancyX (centre), Fabrice Estebanez (centre), Remi Lamerat (centre), Bastien Fuster (winger), Marc Andreu (winger), Julien Malzieu (winger), Benjamin Lapeyre (winger), Romain Martial (winger), Yohann Artru (winger), Benjamin FallA (winger/fullback), Alexis PallissonA (fullback/winger), Jean-Marcellin ButtinA (fullback), Paul Couet-Lannes (fullback), Hugo BonnevalX (fullback)
Posted 14:44 24th January 2013
KiwiRooster says...
Fofana+Fritz
Fofana+Bastareaud
Mermoz+Bastareaud
Fickou+Fritz
Fickou+Bastareaud
There are so many options to chose from, I really cannot see why PSA would even play Fofana on the wing. Huget and Clerc are good enough, and there is a third winger that PSA must absolutely bring on: Marvin O'connor.
Even though Bayonne is struggling, O'connor possess all the qualities of a future great international. Lots of pace, tremendous acceleration and footwork, good in the air, big burst of acceleration, athletic build and strong legs, plus he has a good technique and good hands. Wasting Fofana on the wing when you need more speed at centre and when you have a youngster like O'connor in the waiting, it is complete nonsense.
As consistant as he is, Vincent Clerc is not get any younger. By 2015 it would be a pity for Saint-André to find out at his own expense that it was one World Cup too many for the Toulouse winger. Just like it was for Dominici in 2007. These are World class wingers, but it is a coach job to bring on new faces to the game, especially when they are talented. O'connor all not disappoint and his profile is very much the same as Cedric Heymans. How could you leave him out for a converted centre? For what I know, Fofana also prefers to play at centre. So do the maths...
Posted 12:24 24th January 2013
shrimps says...
I wouldn't even consider these mind games. most articles regarding statements players or coaches have made are generally stating the obvious, something that the opposition undoubtedly know and are well aware of. these kind of things must be purely for the fans.
Posted 11:26 24th January 2013
Propmelsey says...
I'm just agreeing with the frenchman Lawynd ... Not something that i'm too accustomed to, but Saint Andre has called it spot on!! and he should know .... he is their coach afterall ...... i think he and his team would be well pleased with 2nd ..... Actually .. thinking about it .. the last time i agreed with anything the french said was when that fat lass said "let then eat cake" .... so WELL DONE PHILLIPE!!! Better late than never!! x
Posted 11:15 24th January 2013
lawynd says...
On behalf of all genuine England fans, I'd like to apologise for Propmelsey; one too many collapsed scrums and he doesn't know his own mother any more.
And by the by, everyone knows France are the top tip this year. Even us 'arrogant', 'stupid' Poms.
Posted 09:35 24th January 2013
chancer says...
As always with France it depends on which team turns up, also where is the celebrated flair? Has it been coached away seeking the much vaunted consistancy? Early matches particularly will require a accurate goal kicker and Italy are much improved. Never write off Ireland at home. Allez!
Posted 07:51 24th January 2013
Propmelsey says...
Can't see England losing a game this year. Pity we have to do the comedy lions tour later this year because i think we would have gone all year undefeated ..... Hopefully the Lions joke will one day come to an end ..... fingers crossed .... as for France, i think he's got it about right ... outsiders .... probably finish third if they get their act together .... 2nd would be fantastic for the French ... but very ... very unlikely... if they do sneak in 2nd .. the Irish won't be too happy!!!
Posted 07:35 24th January 2013
tha_mai says...
isograford 'France can't be because they're simply too inconsistent. One day they could put 50 points on England, and the next lose by 50.'
Really? England who in their last six months, played six tests, won two - Fiji (wow) and NZ? Lost to Australia one week after France beat Australia 33-6? Consistency?
I'm looking for that 50 point win, when was that again? Ever?
In the professional era (since 1995) it is 13 wins to each team,
Some reality, please.
Posted 05:43 24th January 2013
vaizpatu2011 says...
I think Scotland deserves to be the favourites :)
Posted 01:48 24th January 2013
LondonWasp says...
France are favourites and he knows it, he is just doing mind games, give us a few days and an England player will be saying the exact opposite to Saint Andre
this sort of statement comes out every year...
Posted 22:52 23rd January 2013
PontySurrey says...
Favourites? As long as all their opponents get a very nasty stomach bug ahead of the game.
Posted 22:02 23rd January 2013
jmanngod says...
This is rubbish mind games ... France are by far the better team.
Posted 20:22 23rd January 2013
atg77 says...
This saint Andre character is no mug... he's saying it because he knows England will buy into it. The French are favourites and he knows it.
Posted 20:11 23rd January 2013
Isograford says...
Favourites by a country mile. France can't be because they're simply too inconsistent. One day they could put 50 points on England, and the next lose by 50.
It's really a two horse race, either England or France, the rest are miles away.
Posted 19:51 23rd January 2013