Big Ewis
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it sounds like ppl are actually srs about the France post-Lions thing ?
Anyways, as far as France goes, based on the past 3 EOYT tests, here is the report (unless injured):
loosely based on an article
1-3: In between a this time fresh Thomas Domingo/Yannick Forestier and certainty for Mas for props, with Slimani pleasing for a tighthead rookie and Debaty always behind as the impact carrying loosehead prop off the bench.
2: Kayser and Szar solid this November, both playing at a high level, Kayser seemingly the preferred choice. Younger, he looks like our prop for the next few years.
4-5: everybody's been pleased with ex-captain Papé, while Maestri didn't look very energetic. Vahaamahina has further demonstrated his qualities most certainly. A choice to be made between the latter two for second lock. Parisian Flanquart still in the talks.
6-7-8: Most probably Picamoles at 8, with a very pleasing Chouly. Versatile but not nearly as imposing and powerful as the Toulousain no. 8. Dusautoir still was the best tackler statistically in November, and he seems to always be a lock. While Wenceslas Lauret looked amazing against the AB, he disappointed against the Boks. Very powerful, but too light perhaps.
There are still Nyanga, Ouedraogo (back from injury). Bernard le Roux has had some solid minutes, while Claassen seems to drop in popularity. I don't personally think he has that int'l caliber, so I'm glad. Plus, less poaching is always best.
9-10: still some big questions. Talès has had some good and some bad, but was very solid against the AB. But then very mediocre against the Boks. Camille Lopez has had zero game time with Michalak coming in as a substitute, but looked good in those 20min he played. With Machenaud out, Parra looked like the only solution. Now with Parra and his slow-ball out, a chance for Doussain to show some more of that ability, with a very promising Pélissié who'll need to show some more in the Top 14 before.
12-13: Fofana, no discussion. Fritz and Fickou played exactly as much (127min apiece). Fickou still is too young, and will have to let Toulouse teammate Fritz start in the 6N, surely. Huge on defense always, and a fantastic option on attack. With Bastareaud perpetuating his impact player role, while Mermoz has lost credit, rightfully so I say.
11-14-15: Dulin an absolute certainty at 15. He's played the entire 240min this Fall, and has held his own consistently in Fullback duty and more (high ball, last line of defense, quickness, ball in hand and particularly countering).
Then the well publicized success of rookie Sofiane Guitoune, still top of the Top14 for tries scored with 7 so far (tied with Fijian winger Talibula); he's become an absolute protégé of Saint-André's. He says of him that he "stinks Rugby", as in it oozes out of him
But Médard-Huget seems like too sound a combination, that's worked, and that offers good qualities often.
Clerc still is down of course, unfortunately, and the other options we've had before, Marc Andreu, Alexis Palisson, Adrien Planté (or potential recrutes from the Top14) seem less and less likely.
Anyways, as far as France goes, based on the past 3 EOYT tests, here is the report (unless injured):
loosely based on an article
1-3: In between a this time fresh Thomas Domingo/Yannick Forestier and certainty for Mas for props, with Slimani pleasing for a tighthead rookie and Debaty always behind as the impact carrying loosehead prop off the bench.
2: Kayser and Szar solid this November, both playing at a high level, Kayser seemingly the preferred choice. Younger, he looks like our prop for the next few years.
4-5: everybody's been pleased with ex-captain Papé, while Maestri didn't look very energetic. Vahaamahina has further demonstrated his qualities most certainly. A choice to be made between the latter two for second lock. Parisian Flanquart still in the talks.
6-7-8: Most probably Picamoles at 8, with a very pleasing Chouly. Versatile but not nearly as imposing and powerful as the Toulousain no. 8. Dusautoir still was the best tackler statistically in November, and he seems to always be a lock. While Wenceslas Lauret looked amazing against the AB, he disappointed against the Boks. Very powerful, but too light perhaps.
There are still Nyanga, Ouedraogo (back from injury). Bernard le Roux has had some solid minutes, while Claassen seems to drop in popularity. I don't personally think he has that int'l caliber, so I'm glad. Plus, less poaching is always best.
9-10: still some big questions. Talès has had some good and some bad, but was very solid against the AB. But then very mediocre against the Boks. Camille Lopez has had zero game time with Michalak coming in as a substitute, but looked good in those 20min he played. With Machenaud out, Parra looked like the only solution. Now with Parra and his slow-ball out, a chance for Doussain to show some more of that ability, with a very promising Pélissié who'll need to show some more in the Top 14 before.
12-13: Fofana, no discussion. Fritz and Fickou played exactly as much (127min apiece). Fickou still is too young, and will have to let Toulouse teammate Fritz start in the 6N, surely. Huge on defense always, and a fantastic option on attack. With Bastareaud perpetuating his impact player role, while Mermoz has lost credit, rightfully so I say.
11-14-15: Dulin an absolute certainty at 15. He's played the entire 240min this Fall, and has held his own consistently in Fullback duty and more (high ball, last line of defense, quickness, ball in hand and particularly countering).
Then the well publicized success of rookie Sofiane Guitoune, still top of the Top14 for tries scored with 7 so far (tied with Fijian winger Talibula); he's become an absolute protégé of Saint-André's. He says of him that he "stinks Rugby", as in it oozes out of him
But Médard-Huget seems like too sound a combination, that's worked, and that offers good qualities often.
Clerc still is down of course, unfortunately, and the other options we've had before, Marc Andreu, Alexis Palisson, Adrien Planté (or potential recrutes from the Top14) seem less and less likely.
