Advertisement
France may have returned from their tour to New Zealand without a victory after losing all three tests, but there would have been plenty to keep coach Fabien Galthie happy.
Les Bleus’ only win since claiming the Guinness Men’s Six Nations earlier in the year was their 26-24 victory over England in a non-cap match at Allianz Stadium in June.
They then lost 31-27 in Dunedin, 43-17 in Wellington, and 29-19 in Hamilton. France pushed the All Blacks hard in five of the six halves, with only their drop off in the second half of the second test a cause for concern.
Such were the performances that it is easy to forget that most of their stars were recuperating back on the Mediterranean. Only five from Top 14 finalists Toulouse and Bordeaux-Begles were allowed to tour.
“We wanted to reveal potential players who haven't had the opportunity to experience that level,” Galthie said before the trip home. “We also wanted to make them understand what individual preparation is required to reach that level.
“We spent five weeks together; it's good working time, and in that regard, we're taking everything we've got.”
DOWN UNDER EXPERIENCE
One thing that Clive Woodward identified as he began his crusade to make England world champions was the need to beat Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa on a regular basis, including away from home.
France aren’t there yet, but those new players who stay in the squad through to the 2027 World Cup in Australia will benefit from this tour.
The distance, the recuperation from a long trip, and hitting their stride quickly are three aspects that are hard to understand unless you have experienced them.
Crucially, it will be easier with the World Cup being in Australia. The travel isn’t as far, the weather is better, there’s a sizeable ex-pat French community, and the level of interest isn’t as intense as in New Zealand.
LE GARREC - LE RETOUR
Remember the 2024 Six Nations? Antoine Dupont was off having his first taste of life with the sevens team, and Maxime Lucu was struggling to fill his boots.
Then along came a young man from Racing 92, who raised the team with some lively performances that helped lift the hangover of their 2023 World Cup quarterfinal exit.
Well, after an average season in Paris, Nolann Le Garrec is back. He looked the latest petit general in the number nine shirt, delivering quick ball and taking charge with his boot.
His try in the third test was a classic scrumhalf’s poach down the ruck, and he weighed in with 25 points from his boot.
Le Garrec has signed for La Rochelle, where he will come under Ronan O’Gara’s guidance. Hopefully, the Atlantic Ocean will serve him well and establish him as a serious rival to Dupont and Lucu.
FICKOU – WRAP HIM IN WOOL
While the focus was on the next wave of players coming through, Gael Fickou showed that they still rely on his experience.
Racing’s average season meant he was didn’t come under the regulations covering those in the Top 14 playoffs, plus his involvement in only one Six Nations match left him nowhere near the maximum minutes he could play in a season.
Fickou played at inside-centre in the first and third tests where his influence showed as they stayed on the All Blacks’ coat tails. He missed the second test, and the absence of his influence showed as the team ran away in the second half.
He will be 33 come the World Cup and Galthie needs to do everything he can to ensure Fickou is there.
Whether in defence or attack he is priceless. His decision to kick a penalty, rather than scrum or kick to touch, put France 19-10 up at halftime of the third test. It showed he has good game awareness and the ability to step away from the emotions of a match.
GUILLARD ON THE CHARGE
Look out Gregory Alldritt, here comes Mickael Guillard.
Alldritt has been Galthie’s first choice pick at number 8, but such were the Lyon player’s performances that there might be a change ahead.
The 24-year-old Guillard played all five Six Nations matches this year, but predominantly at second row. When he had the chance in his favoured position, he didn’t disappoint.
He scored their opening try of the first test, and in the third test he carried 11 times for 21 metres and made 23 tackles.
Guillard has shown he deserves a chance to be first choice this season. We can only hope Galthie doesn’t put the brakes on him.
ATTISSOGBE AND BARRE WAITING IN THE WINGS
After their Six Nations success it appeared that the French back three of Thomas Ramos, Damien Penaud, and Louis Bielle-Biarrey was set in stone.
However, Bielle-Biarrey’s concussion and Ramos’ saloon door style tackling, means that back up is necessary.
Leo Barre, we knew about after he impressed against Italy in the Six Nations, but Theo Attissogbe’s rise was most welcome. Barre also struggled with the All Blacks’ kicks over the top in the third test.
The Pau player showed against England that he has gas, most notably when his pace helped him break the line, race clear, and set up Hugo Auradou’s score.
The 20-year-old played fullback at Allianz Stadium, and in the first test. He then switched to the wing for the second and third tests.
Attissogbe’s versatility and age marks him out as someone who can build his experience from the bench. He will be 22 come Australia 2027.
Try not to think of him linking up with Bielle-Biarrey and Penaud unless you’re French. Then you’ll have an idea of what’s going on in Galthie’s mind, and why he can’t hold back a small smile.