State of the Nation: France
With the November internationals now done and dusted, we look at the state of affairs in each of the competing nations. Last up, it's France.
Well, where to start with one of the great conundrums in world rugby? Guy Noves always seemed a peculiar appointment for the national team in 2015, given the waning form of Toulouse during the latter part of his tenure there, and Les Bleus’ performances since he took charge has only served to question the wisdom of the FFR.
The autumn internationals were the latest in a long line of catastrophes, with France losing to both New Zealand (twice) and South Africa before somehow contriving to draw against Japan.
That is not to denigrate the Brave Blossoms’ efforts who, under the guidance of Jamie Joseph, are well coached, but Noves’ men should have had too much power for the 2019 World Cup hosts.
It was France’s first 40 minutes of November, however, which set the tone. Mistake-ridden, lacking in intensity and simply low on confidence, they were humiliated by New Zealand in the opening half.
Les Bleus regained a semblance of respectability after the interval, restricting the world number one side to just a single try, but by then the damage had already been done.
The All Blacks and the French then did battle once more three days later – a game hosted in Lyon to promote their bid for the 2023 World Cup – with the second-string getting their chance to impress. Again, Steve Hansen’s men had too much.
It was an improved display, though, and gave Noves plenty to ponder regarding selection, an opportunity he duly took for the South Africa encounter.
Ultimately, it had little effect. Against a Springboks’ outfit who themselves are in a state of unrest, the visitors won the battle of two poor teams, securing an 18-17 victory.
All in all, it has been quite the autumn for France, mainly for the wrong reasons. While they were awarded the World Cup, their squad seems unable to match their off-field ambitions. Many have pointed to the influx of foreigners into the Top 14 and, although that argument is pertinent, it is not the only reason for France’s continuing decline.
With the clubs still holding the power, an academy structure that isn’t producing individuals of the requisite ability and a head honcho whose methods appear antiquated, it seems as though they need an overhaul from top to bottom.
There are still players of quality who can produce on their day – England will attest to that following the Red Rose’s narrow victory in February – but the system is letting the supporters down.
Steps have been taken in an attempt to improve relations between the FFR and the LNR but it may be a while before France truly becomes a world power once more.
Three homes games in the 2018 Six Nations, two of them against Ireland and England, does offer them a chance to build some momentum, but the question is whether they are still good enough to defeat the world number two and three at the Stade de France.
by Colin Newboult