Eddie Jones has warned France their youth policy could backfire in Paris on Sunday when England plan to launch their Six Nations with a display of “brutal physicality”.
New Les Bleus coach Fabien Galthie named 19 uncapped players in an initial 42-man squad which has an average age of 24. Matthieu Jalibert is the eldest of the three fly-halves at only 21.
The 2023 World Cup on French soil has shaped Galthie’s selection and Jones has promised a ferocious Six Nations baptism awaits whatever side is picked.
“It’s a young French team that’s won the Under-20s and is building towards the World Cup in 2023. There are a couple of ways you can go in that regard,” Australian Jones said.
“When I took over England in 2016 I kept experienced players and brought young players in.
“Test match rugby requires experience and France have decided not to take experience in, they’ve gone with youth. And they might be wrong, they might be right.
“We don’t know but it’s going to test those young players because they will have never have played against a brutal physicality and intensity that we are going to play with on Sunday.”
Meanwhile, the French Rugby Federation said on Monday that Racing 92 hooker Camille Chat, who has 26 caps, was ruled out of the opening game against England because of a calf injury.
He has been replaced by uncapped Racing 92 teammate Teddy Baubigny. Chat’s injury follows those of Dylan Cretin and Kylan Hamdaoui.
In the wake of captain Guilhem Guirado’s retirement, Chat was expected to start at the Stade de France on Sunday.
Englishbob
Guest
Got that feeling in my waters that this might be a bad year for England. Several sources report alot of the team are still dazed by the RWC final, a few of them have been in poor form since and as usual Eddie hasn't picked what 90% of observers could be the form players in the league. Expecting very little from this 6N
Neil Back
Roar Rookie
Indeed. Expecting the French to have a no fear go at the English. Could go well for them. Could go very badly. England playing away is always my favourite fixture in any 6N game, especially as a spectator.
Neil Back
Roar Rookie
Galthie’s done quite an old guard shuffle and the French are building on age group success. It may take some time, but it should be interesting to watch.
Just Nuisance
Roar Rookie
I find what imo the underperformance of the French National squad kinda baffling. At the World Cup they self imploded. Surely their time is going to come. How can it not?
Harry Jones
Expert
Yes, and I’d argue that the rugby world would only grow and improve if we HAD these types of stats. Can’t wait for this clash: England v France is always worth a look. Passion.
Neil Back
Roar Rookie
That would be an interesting stat indeed Harry. No doubt the international ref's board has it to hand. I suspect it's one they'd not be keen to share.
adastra32
Roar Rookie
This appears to be one of Eddie's more sane pre-match predictions.
Harry Jones
Expert
Agreed. France is being talked up as an early favourite for 6N and RWC, but I think this is all projection. By the way, I wonder what the average home-win stat is for refs.
Ulrich
Roar Rookie
Well, with all the Saracens debacle and the RWC hurt the best way to go about it is probably a commanding and physical performance to rid them of the frustration of it all.
Neil Back
Roar Rookie
I don't know that he's predicting they'll be bullied, more likely restating what we all know - what a step up test rugby can be. Galthie's selected a relatively inexperienced new captain, there's seven uncapped players in his squad of 28, and only Fickou has 50+ But of course, he's not going to start them all, and some of those youngsters, like his likely 10 Ntamack and possible understudy Jalibert, have already impressed, albeit the latter in the Pro 14 only. Probably too early for Shaun Edwards to have much effect on their defensive work, but a lot of punters are expecting great things from the French over the next few years. Taking England this early would be a massive, if unlikely scalp. Then again, I read somewhere that Nigel Owens has a stat against his name that says in over 90 percent of the games he officiates in, the home team wins. Yep, he's got the Paris fixture for England .....
Just Nuisance
Roar Rookie
I agree with EJ about that blend of youth and experience but are England going to shove them around like he predicts... Not sure.. Some big units in that French team.
mzilikazi
Roar Pro
"it’s going to test those young players because they will have never have played against a brutal physicality and intensity that we are going to play with on Sunday.” It always amazes me how Eddie can predict how a game will go with such precision. Must be so comforting for his players. Just a pity about Japan a few months ago.....rare aberration, I assume ??