Starting at 10: Fred Michalak
France coach Philippe Saint-Andre will get a chance to look at Fred Michalak in the fly-half position on Friday as Jonny Wilkinson is handed a rest.
The club versus country debate is highlighted when Montpellier hosts league leaders Toulon.
With Wilkinson being rested after injuring his neck in the 42-12 victory over Bordeaux-Begles last week, Michalak will start at fly-half, likely playing opposite France incumbent Francois Trinh-Duc.
Michalak's days in the 10 shirt in Toulon since returning from a second stint with the Sharks in South Africa have been limited, the ex-Toulouse stalwart has instead appeared at scrum-half.
The star-studded Toulon squad, coached by Bernard Laporte, features a backline controlled by Wilkinson, with Australian playmaker Matt Giteau also adept in the fly-half role.
Michalak's utility role is seen as invaluable by Laporte, but is not something that will necessarily enhance his chances at nailing down a berth at 10 in the France squad during November.
"I have a squad to manage, not the France team," said Laporte.
"I know full well the expectations of a coach, but Saint-Andre also knows the demands of a club. There's no polemic.
"Frederic will play fly-half, but I will decide when and where, in tandem with my staff and players," added Laporte, who arguably got the best out of Michalak at international level especially in the 2003 World Cup where he was outstanding until he fell to pieces in the semi-final against Wilkinson and eventual champions England.
With Trinh-Duc and another France hopeful Lionel Beauxis failing to make their mark so far this season, and Racing-Metro's in-form Jonathan Wisniewski ruled out for several months with a herniated disc, Michalak has a window to again showcase his evident talents.
Comments
Lucasrg says...
Michalak and Wilkinson are perfect in French.
Just like a good Pinot Noir...the older they get the the better they get, with a delicate "kick"!!! :) not to mention the price on the bottle!
Posted 20:41 13th September 2012