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Graham Henry will have to move fast to ensure the form and fitness of the All Blacks back row and back three when they take on France at Eden Park on 24 September, as these are areas the French look to launch their attack and score their points from.
Now before the jokes start about the “French Attack”, I am obviously not referring to their not so recent form in WWII but their recent form against Ireland and New Zealand. In their lead up to Rugby World Cup 2011, the French have played the Irish in a home and away Test series, which they won 2-0.
Big deal, some might say. However, have a look at their recent form against New Zealand, which shows in 2009 the French actually defeated the Dan Carter-less All Blacks at Dunedin 27-22, then went on to lose a dour Test at Wellington, 14-10. New Zealand later that year gave the French a rugby lesson at Marseille, 39-12.
When New Zealand struggled at home against France they were without Dan Carter and Richie McCaw. Conversely, when they went on to thump France, Carter was playing as was McCaw, Kaino and Read. I, for one, think the latter three are essential for All Black victory against France in the World Cup as the back row is where France launches much of their attack from.
In the recent Test series against Ireland, the French backrow, led by Thierry Dusautoir, dominated their opponents with their running game. Lieutenants such as Lakafui, Nallet, Oudrago and impressive No. 8 Picamoles all had strong running games, which opened up space out wide for their outside backs, Clerc and Heymans, to cross the white line.
If we look deeper at the French, in New Zealand in 2009 it was again their back row lead by Dusautoir and Picamloes that had strong running games that contributed to the All Black defeat. It appears France will look to dominate this area of the game again come the World Cup, based upon their recent Tests against Ireland.
Now normally New Zealand would be able to counter the French back row, as proven in 2009 when McCaw, Kaino and Read were playing. However, given the injury concern to Read, this may lead to the inclusion of Victor Vito or Adam Thompson, who are both good players but their not Keiran Read.
This coupled with the potential problems Zac Guildford may cause if he has a repeat of his Brisbane performance against the French could be concerning for Graham Henry, and an area he should address come September 24.
There are rumours abound that Marc Lievremont will play a second string team against New Zealand. I hope he does not as when France and New Zealand meet in World Cups, they always prove to be enthralling encounters.
Given the French have two very cunning No. 9s in Yachvilli and Para and Trinh-Duc at 10, they could also cause problems for New Zealand if they have studied Will Genia’s game against New Zealand in Brisbane.
Bring on the Cup!
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