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2013 certainly hasn’t been a good rugby year for France. Prior to the Six Nations they were playing good rugby in last year’s end of year Tests.
They brushed off the Wallabies, overcame the resilient Samoans and Argentinians. Hopes were high they would win the Six Nations in 2013 and maybe achieve the Grand Slam.
But those high hopes were wrecked.
They deservedly lost to Italy in Rome, were defeated by the Welsh and English, managed a draw against Ireland in Dublin and had to beat Scotland in Paris to avoid the ignominy of being awarded the wooden spoon.
Only Wesley Fofana within the French squad had his reputations enhanced during the Six Nations. To make things worse, the summer tour of New Zealand yielded three defeats from three games.
However, though the autumn internationals have yielded two defeats from three (beating Tonga in a feisty game while narrowly losing to New Zealand and South Africa), there have been a few bright spots for head coach Philippe Saint Andre.
Their spirit has certainly been a positive: against South Africa and New Zealand they fought back from going behind to give the top two teams in world rugby a real game, especially against the All Blacks.
Though the French are renowned for their inconsistency when they click into gear they can be a treat to watch.
Young full back Brice Dulin is certainly an enterprising player who likes to keep defenders honest.
He was one of France’s better players against South Africa last night. He has shown why Saint Andre picked him especially after his good performances for Castres that led them to surprisingly win the Top 14 championship.
However, if France aspires to beat the top southern hemisphere sides they have to win the physical battle.
There were periods during the game against Tonga at Le Havre where the Tongans were on top.
Prior to their ill-discipline (which include a bit of biff between Yoann Maestri and Sona Taumalolo) the Tongans were merely 11-6 down and were looking good.
Against the South Africans the French lost the physical battle with the Springbok forwards carrying the ball well and making good yards.
French captain Thierry Dusautoir acknowledged his team were second best in terms of physicality and how his team have to rectify it.
However, one bright spot for Saint Andre to enjoy is the young talent breaking through into the squad.
A few months ago I wrote how there was a lack of young home-grown French talent breaking through to France’s top teams and the mass influx of foreigners in the Top 14 was having a negative effect on the national team’s fortunes.
The French rugby authorities (the FFR) will be pleased as will Saint Andre to see young talent breaking through the side.
While centre Gael Fickou is the obvious youth star tipped to shine brightly there are other talents that have done well for their clubs, which have warranted their call up to the national squad.
There are two that catch my eye: the first of which is 24-year-old lock Rabah Slimani. He’s made several excellent performances for his club Stade Francais this season and has scored a few tries as well.
He is certainly a contender to be in France’s Six Nations squad next year. The second choice is 24-year-old Sofiane Guitoune.
The Algerian-born winger has caught the eye with his consistent performances for Perpignan this season and is also one to watch next year in the Six Nations.
One thing that is surprising is Saint Andre’s has played his half backs in back to back games.
Over the last few years France under Saint Andre and serial tinkerer Marc Lièvremont have tried several different partnerships using several players – Saint Andre has used 10 different combinations since taking over after the 2011 World Cup.
When looking at the current combination being used scrum half Morgan Parra’s inclusion is not a surprise.
He is an excellent No.9 with his marshalling of the game and expert kicking.
There is good reason why he is dubbed “The Little General.”
Though the selection of fly half Remi Tales might raise eyebrows outside of France the standoff is a player of great promise.
Though his tactical kicking game needs a bit of work he has shown he can play, as he was at the forefront of Castres shocking Toulon in that final earlier in June.
Though they have only won two games this year there is still some optimism within France for next year. Saint Andre will hope his team can perform: or he will face the notorious displeasure from the fans in the Stade De France.
Join The Roar rugby editor Christy Doran, former Wallaby Matt Toomua and a cast of regular and special guests as they look at the biggest issues in the game on The Roar Rugby Podcast. If you’re looking for great odds on the next game check out Aussie bookmaker PlayUp. Chances are you’re about to lose. Set a deposit limit.