- Video
-
Club Roar
Captured a great grassroots sporting moment? We want to see it!Content Collections
The Roar Community
- Join
- Login
With the 2023 Rugby World Cup almost upon us, a slew of competitors all remain viable options to win the coveted trophy.
With every squad facing a myriad of injuries, strange omissions, mixed results and a large dose of hype behind each of them, the narrative to be played out in France is shaping up to be perhaps the most compelling and competitive World Cup in years.
With the world’s top five teams facing the toughest pools and quarter-final matchups, there will no doubt be early eliminations to the top teams in the world, but ultimately France will have just enough to power through the group stages, clinch the quarter and semi-finals and achieve a home World Cup victory.
Throughout the past two years, France has emerged once again as a dominating rugby powerhouse, and the tantalising prospect of home World Cup glory will no doubt boost motivation and confidence within the squad.
Despite a tight loss to Ireland in this year’s Six Nations, France has been all class in the build-up to the World Cup. Even fielding a B-team against a full-strength Scotland during the Summer Nations, Les Bleus were almost able to contain the brilliance of Finn Russell and the Scottish backline, only going down 21-25 after a late comeback from the Scots.
A win a week later against Scotland with their best team available was only marred by the injury to Romain Ntamack, a blow that could still prove to be critical. The momentum, however, has continued, with a 34-17 victory over Fiji followed by a 41-17 execution of Australia.
The power generated by the big and physical pack Les Bleus boast creates the platform for the flair and power of what is possibly the best backline in the tournament.
Unfortunately, their opening clash with New Zealand will be limited by injuries, with Cyril Baille, Jonathan Danty and Paul Willemse unavailable. The loss of Baille may have large ramifications, with the scrum much weaker without him, conceding ground to Australia in the final warm-up, and without Danty punching at the line Jordie Barrett can expect an easier time in defence.
Along with these injuries, the injury to Ntamack stands out as a major factor working against France. Whilst his replacement Matthieu Jaliebert is definitely not lacking in X-factor, the 9-10 connection between Ntamack and the phenomenal Antoine Dupont is lost.
PARIS, FRANCE – NOVEMBER 5: Antoine Dupont of France during the 2022 Autumn International test match between France and Australia at Stade de France on November 5, 2022 in Saint-Denis near Paris, France. (Photo by Jean Catuffe/Getty Images)
But with the skill, talent and power the backline still possess, a place in the Final is still on the cards. Dupont’s incredible scything runs, kicks off both feet and strength could almost drag any team into the Final, and matched with the pace and agility of Damien Penaud, power and jackling of Danty and goal-kicking of Tomas Ramos, the sheer attacking prowess will prove more than a handful for other contenders.
This may all seem to indicate the French forwards are outmatched by their back counterparts, but this is anything but true. With Baille and the huge Uini Atonio fit and with the dependable Julien Marchand between them, the scrum will be formidable.
The lineout and maul will also be hard to stop with the locks at France’s disposal, with the 6′ 8″ Thibaud Flament also providing much of the work around the park. The go-forward provided by the big carriers like Atonio, Flament and Grégory Alldritt will set the base for Dupont to lead the backs and it is the mix of hard, physical forwards and backline flair makes the French the favourites heading into the tournament.
I expect France to go a long way into the tournament, they are my pick to win the World Cup. Even with a loss to New Zealand, which remains a distinct possibility, even more so due to the injuries in the French squad, France have the firepower to go all the way.
Unless more key players succumb to injury, Les Bleus possess everything they need to battle through the finals and win a home World Cup.
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.