Rugby pundits claim that the Haka is worth seven points to the All Blacks, and the Marseillaise five points to the French.
The lyrics of the latter were cobbled together to reflect the French resistance to the Prussians in the late 18th century, and when the French rugby teams sing it they’re vowing to mount a similar resistance against the team they’re playing, which on Saturday will be Australia.
The Marseillaise vows to water French fields with the enemies’ blood, which is what quite a few French rugby teams have done in the past.
But on Saturday, Les Bleus will start with more than five points because here’s the proposed front five: Sebastien Bruno, the best scrummaging hooker in France and also the best lineout thrower; Lionel Faure at prop, 6’1”, 118 ks, who’s sometimes been chosen ahead of Andrew Sheridan for his club; Benoit Lecoule, very strong, very muscular prop for Biarritz; Lionel Nallet, 6’5”, 116 ks.
Castres? He’ll make Sharpe’s head spin. Sebastien Chabal? Enforcer. He’ll make the ref’s head spin.
With two fast flankers in Picamoles and Ouedraogo, plus a number 8 like Harinordoquy, who’s a lineout option and a galloper in the field, this is a formidable pack and will give the Wallabies fits.
All Aussies and Prussians should watch out.
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