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.
Bakkies
Guest
There is a 2.06metre lock at Stade Francais, Alexandre Flaquart. Finally they have a lock coming through with a bit of height which is a huge problem as the lineout is poor. There is no Bonnaire and Harinordoquy at the back to paper over the cracks.
Bakkies
Guest
BBA no other Rugby country has to fill 30 plus professional clubs and there is a serious gap financially between the rich and poor in the two pro divisions and the third division has pro clubs too.
enzopitek
Guest
Tell that to the french handball federation or the basket ball one .... they gonna laugh ...
Parisien
Guest
They've had some pretty consistent results in handball, basketball, judo, fencing, cycling and produced champions in a whole range of sports. I think their system of national federations for every sport is well organized and efficient, and there is access to all sports for everyone. Each sport has a clear pathway from grassroots to elite level.
Jerry
Guest
I think the tussle after the Bismarck tackle was for the other Bok forward (Louw, I think) plowing into the breakdown upright and making contact with the knees (I don't think he actually made contact with an AB but it looked bad). Note that Bismarck wasn't really involved in it and ended up walking off while it was happening - if the AB's had been objecting to the tackle someone would have been getting in his face.
Jerry
Guest
I suspect he means this one.... http://news.bbc.co.uk/media/images/38189000/jpg/_38189288_fan300.jpg
Vic
Guest
What did poor old Piet van Zyl do TT? - I must have missed that one?
RobC
Guest
could be for the same reason
Tissot Time
Guest
Thanks Vic I missed the action on JDV. Maybe its just a perception but incidents involving Bakkies, Greyling and Piet Van Zyl come to mind but then again all teams have their villains. I agree with Harry below that there are "legal" ways of righting the ledger and there is nothing better than timing a hit in a tackle or clean out. I include BDP's hit on DC in this category. I suppose my point is Flouw by his conspicuous action exposed his team whether he was defending his captain or not.
Sircoolalot
Guest
They've always been inconsistent and in every sport they play
Harry Jones
Guest
BB: I agree that refs have a perception of SA players (partly deserved; but a bit unfair). We must fix it. I'm just saying rugby is always tough stuff. And no team is choirboys.
Self policing has its place in rugby still, no doubt about it. It does however depend on some smart thinking and wise heads.
RobC
Guest
Isn't France hampered by the fact that the clubs do not let the French management pick and mould the national team needed to win - thus the reason for inconsistency.
Harry Jones
Guest
Agree. Plenty of opportunities in rugby to dish out punishment. Can't lose the overall plot. But the ethos of rugby has always included self-policing. NZ does it too. Look at that brawl they started after Bismarck tackled Carter. 4-5 separate tussles. They were sending a message. Even though the tackle was legal. Over time, it affects team spirit. We fight for each other.
Harry Jones
Guest
I always knew how to do it! And it was done to me as well. That's the ethos of rugby. Not soccer; appealing to ref.
Yousef Teclab
Roar Guru
I remember Argentina were able to cause South Africa real discomfort in Mendoza this year and last year in the Rugby Championship by getting in amongst them - get down and dirty with the forwards. Certainly saw that with Leonardo Senatore & Pablo Matera. But in regards to France though there is some improvement at times they do look a bit rudderless apart from Dusatoir. Doesn't help Saint Andre that there are several players within the French squad called away to play for their Top 14 clubs a week before the start of the 6N or inbetween the championships!
Harry, retaliation for SA players always end up with a card. Whether it is a nothing slap, tap or tickle. EVERY referee in the world looks at us critically when it comes to how we play, be it carrying a ball, tackling a player, hitting a ruck, or whatever manner we make contact in rugby. There should be only one rule, no hitting, no tickling, tapping, slapping or elbows. If you want to hit a player whilst carrying the ball, drop the shoulder, keep the elbow tight against your side as to not even bring a debate about on how you hit a guy. If someone of the opposition does something untoward, you simply wait for the opportunity to tackle the snow out of him, and once tackle is completed, or clearing from the ruck, etc. you explain to them that it is in retaliation of their indiscretions. We cannot afford to concede cards in every game. This year we were lucky, it only influenced one match negatively, but we making it more challenging than it should be.
Vic
Guest
Maybe we should open the School for Smart Retribution, eh Harry?
Harry Jones
Guest
Nick, I think you're right. I think it's a lack of strong leadership...
Harry Jones
Guest
Francois Louw is an extremely affable, likable guy. He's very smart. Comes from a good family. One of the most popular players among other players. Respected. Captains his club. He was taking care of business. Pape was dirty all match; and was getting away with it. He smacked Flo's captain and friend, JdV, in the face. That can't happen without retribution. It's a fact of rugby. But he has to be smarter.