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Irish
poised to face the wrath of wounded French pride
 BY LARRY COONEY
French manager Bernard Laporte has reacted immediately to his team’s
shock 20-16 defeat to Scotland by calling six new faces into their squad
ahead of the visit of Ireland.
Experienced forwards Serge Betsen and Olivier Magne both return to bolster a
pack that was totally out-muscled at Murrayfield. Damien Traille and
Aurelien Rougerie have also been added to provide an extra dimension in the
backs.
In-form Wasps hooker Raphael Ibanez and Pascal Pape of Bourgoin complete the new additions as
Bernard Laporte considers his options ahead of what will now be billed as a
vital Six Nations clash against an equally unimpressive Irish team.
Biarritz flanker Betsen has missed much of the season to date through injury
and should he prove his fitness will make a welcome return to the French
side this Saturday. Elsewhere, Laporte is still looking for the ideal
replacement for Yannick Jauzion at inside-centre with Traille set to come
back into contention.
However the France boss might also resist the temptation to make wholesale
changes after he described France’s second-half display against Scotland as
“the best since I’ve been in charge”.
Despite their shock setback Laporte is unlikely to deviate too much from his
original strategy of trying out
as many players as possible in his 40-strong squad.
Laporte said: “My aim is to have an almost definite 40-man squad by the
autumn and our objective is to build for the World Cup.”
France and Saracens utility back Thomas Castaignede also believes the 2007
World Cup hosts are the only country with the strength in depth to match New
Zealand.
Castaignede said: “Bernard Laporte is now at the point where he could just
about emulate New Zealand coach Graham Henry and the All Blacks and change
his entire side from one match to another. No other northern hemisphere
coach is selecting from a position of such strength.”
While Ireland might take some comfort from the fact that France are not
invincible after all, one is almost certain to see a totally different
French side taking to the pitch this weekend. For a side who are sure to be
among the favourites to lift the World Cup next year, France played well
within themselves at Murrayfield. In terms of sheer intensity this match
will be a huge step up for both sides.
Laporte still has a breathtaking array of talent to draw on. Key players
include Yannick Jauzion, Frédéric Michalak and Jean-Baptiste Elis-
salde when they are all fit and well. The exciting Biarritz wing Philippe
Bidabé is also waiting for his chance.
Bernard Laporte’s team, who steamrolled their way to Grand Slams in 2002 and
2004, will now have to revise their championship ambitions but they are
still the side capable of defeating England when they meet in Paris on March
12.
Bernard Laporte just like his Irish counterpart Eddie O’Sullivan will have
some calls to make before he names his starting 15 this Thursday. Even
Frédéric Michalak who played against the Scots despite a recent groin injury
is uncertain of facing Ireland.
The front row which is taken entirely from the Stade Français club is
unlikely to change. The extent of the changes in the French starting 15
still remains uncertain but Laporte insists all fringe players will play
some part in his squad for this year’s Six Nations championship
He said: “I’m sorry for the players who will miss Saturday’s game but in a
sense it’s a good thing because it will help others to stay in contention
and we’ll need to have two or three guys for every position before we name
our World Cup squad.”
Players to watch
Jerome Thion
Age: 29
Debut: 14/06/03 (Argentina)
Position: Second Row
Club: Biarritz
Caps: 22
Tries: -
Jerome Thion has now established himself as a mainstay in the French pack
and possible successor to Fabien Pelous. Thion took over the captaincy
during the three autumn tests while Pelous was serving a ban.
His performances ensured that Bernard Laporte’s side were not lacking
effective leadership after he led Les Bleus to three consecutive victories
over Canada, Tonga and South Africa.
After recovering from a serious larynx injury in that game against the
Springboks Thion is now back to his best. His partnership with Pelous
opposing Paul O’Connell and either Malcolm O’Kelly or Donnacha O’Callaghan
should be one of the duels of the match.
Remy Martin
Age 27
Debut: 02/03/02 (England)
Position: Back Row
Club: Stade Francais
Caps 10
Tries: -
Remy Martin made his international debut against England during France’s
successful Six Nations campaign in 2002. However he fell out of favour with
the management but after three years in the squad is at last beginning to
display his true potential.
Having made a successful return for Laporte’s team in last season in their
summer tour, he eventually played his way back into contention for the
autumn internationals against Australia, Canada, Tonga and South Africa.
Should be an interesting duel with Ireland’s new back-row partnership.
Before he joined Stade Francais in 2001 Martin played his club rugby for
Aubenas.
Florian Fritz
Age: 22
Debut: 18/06/06 (South Africa)
Position: Centre
Club: Toulouse
Caps: 4
Tries: -
Florian Fritz is undoubtedly one of the real emerging talents of French
rugby and could be a potential World Cup star next year in his home country.
Only discovered during the second half of last year, Fritz was given the
opportunity to face Australia and South Africa. Forming a perfect
partnership with Toulouse clubmate Yannick Jauzion in the Autumn test
against the Springboks he played a major part in their 26-20 victory.
Not surprisingly his tremendous impact on the international scene earned him
the accolade of France’s brightest rugby prospect and will take some
watching by the Irish defence this Saturday. |
