France 6 Nations 2016 Chat

[Chistera]

Haven't seen such a discussion so here goes. We've hanged by a thread so far, scrapping away with two wins from two home games. It's going to get a lot harder, starting next week.
We're garanteed not to finish last with two wins, I don't really care about our final rank as long as we're not the wooden spoon.

I'd be happy if we go on playing effective an relatively ambitious rugby. We finally seem to have a game plan, made of quick passes and quick contact. Not quite French flair but still fairly dynamic, and it gets the crowd going.

A bunch of newbies have gotten a chance so far, ans seized it, but I'd like to see other new/forgotten players feature. Burban, Dulin instead of Médard, Lopez maybe, Fresia instead of Chiocci.

I'm also not convinced by our back row. Most of the selected players are fairly old and I don't see any of them as long term starters at the international level: Goujon, Gourdon, Chouly, Lauret... Don't know about Le Roux, if he ever develops his offensive game and makes meters ball-in-hand, he could really interesting. We have a lot of prospects in back row but they're aren't playing much club rugby: Macalou is low in the pecking order of the talented Stade Français back row, Cancoriet isn't getting playing time at Clermont and Ollivon -the "next Imanol"- doesn't play at Toulon, and his progress has stalled, thanks Mourad.

Without our 3 best performing players of the last four years: Picamoles, Fofana and Huget, we're clearly in a transition phase, so no pressure for results, even though Novès seems to want to deliver right away.

 

[gaston le gaff]

After Frances miserable period under PSA and an exciting addition of some new and young players under new coach Noves, he is in the starting blocks to create something long term, patience will be required if France are to contest the next World Cup. He will blood more and more fresh players as time goes by, plus there are a few key players injured.The only problem i see is the French media, who are always ready to slaughter if the results do not come France's way. The on going problems with the FFR ans LNR are not going to go away but if the results do start to happen just maybe the sensible ones may start to think differently. (one can always dream) There may have been elements of luck with the first 2 games both won, but these new kids on the block have enthusiasm and lots of skills even if experience is lacking, Noves will get the headset right before games something plus loads of other things PSA was absolutely useless at, although he did get 10/10 for crying to the press.!!!!!!!!

 

[Chistera]

After Frances miserable period under PSA and an exciting addition of some new and young players under new coach Noves, he is in the starting blocks to create something long term, patience will be required if France are to contest the next World Cup. He will blood more and more fresh players as time goes by, plus there are a few key players injured.The only problem i see is the French media, who are always ready to slaughter if the results do not come France's way. The on going problems with the FFR ans LNR are not going to go away but if the results do start to happen just maybe the sensible ones may start to think differently. (one can always dream) There may have been elements of luck with the first 2 games both won, but these new kids on the block have enthusiasm and lots of skills even if experience is lacking, Noves will get the headset right before games something plus loads of other things PSA was absolutely useless at, although he did get 10/10 for crying to the press.!!!!!!!!

We should wait to judge Novès, Saint-André started his first 6 Nations with two wins as well, and France then had some very convincing autumn wins against Argentina (39-22) and Australia (33-6), things looked bright for us then...
The Ligue and Federation perennial conflict isn't going away, apparently the gerontocracy in place doesn't want to leave, being very satisfied of its own work. Some big words were said after our glorious defeat to New-Zealand but nothing will change as the same men are at the helm. The same bloated clique made of Camou, Goze and others, that has been around forever.

Back to next week's game, 14 internationals are going to start in the Top 14 this week-end, including Guirado, Flanquart and Machenaux, while 9 will be on the bench. Props to Clermont and others for resting Jedrasiak, Chouly, Mermoz, Maestri & co. (source)

 

[gaston le gaff]

Nobody is judging Noves, its just he has heaps more expience than most, and also trophies to back up his excellent man management, also the French National team was drawing to its close with many players fit for International retirement and some who should have retired a couple of years ago. Noves has brought youth and excitement in 2 games he is not the Messiah just a very good coach, and all good coaches even the best must be given time. As the FFR do not do sacking Noves wil have the time just hope he gets the FFR and LNR to work with him and not against!!!!!!!!! (FRENCH FAN WILL PROBABLY REMIND ME THAT THEY WILL NOT.)

 

[TheOvalBall]

Very happy, with 2/2 so far. Scrappy, but there was some steel shown, in the last match, which was severely lacking in the last 4 years. Noves has plenty of experience, so that should be of benefit to the team.

 

[Chistera]

Very happy, with 2/2 so far. Scrappy, but there was some steel shown, in the last match, which was severely lacking in the last 4 years. Noves has plenty of experience, so that should be of benefit to the team.

Novès is a great leader of men, and has the reputation of a hard, distant man who expects respect and gives it in return. That can only be healthy for the team, as past coaches, Lièvremont as Saint-André, both progressively lost control over the changing room during their years in charge. Can't see that happen to Novès.

It's good to see us playing tough and solid rugby, that's the quickest way to become a team feared by all opponents once again.

 

[JJFlash]

Two close wins so far, but the team was hardly convincing.
Wales in Cardiff on a Friday night is going to be a much more serious challenge than Italy and Ireland.
If the French can win, and it's a big IF, then anything's possible - dare I say a Slam? Maybe not.

It's good to see FTD back in the squad and I'm sure he'll get his chance in Cardiff, although Plisson hasn't done much wrong, but I think we'll see a Machenaud/FTD half back pairing in the last two matches.

 

[Chistera]

Meanwhile, Thomas and Marvin O'Connor are out due to injury while Machenaud picked up a small ankle problem. Djibril Camara and David Smith have been called up, but as it turns out that Smith is not eligible (he's played with NZ 7s before) somebody else is going to come in. Guitoune would be the logical solution but he's off with our 7s team, seems like Novès is down to his 7th or 8th choice on the wing.
Clerc maybe?

 

[gaston le gaff]

There are still choices available and as it is not the most important position on the field it should not cause Guy too many problems as they are selections who will probably not be incuded in the team, as Marvin was last week.

 

[TheOvalBall]

Is Marvin eligible ? Apparently, there's some dispute around it.

 

[LeinsterMan (NotTigsMan)]

The David smith thing is hilarious.

 

[dragos03]

The Smith situation is funny because the player himself revealed that he isn't eligible. But what if he didn't say anything about it and the situation would only be known after he had already played for France?

Who is to blame here? As far as I know, national unions must require World Rugby's approval in advance whenever they want to select a foreign player, so it should be WR's fault.

 

[FrenchFan]

Who is to blame here? As far as I know, national unions must require World Rugby's approval in advance whenever they want to select a foreign player, so it should be WR's fault.

FFR of course. Prime example of the complete incompetence that reigns at FFR

 

[Mumbles119]

FFR of course. Prime example of the complete incompetence that reigns at FFR

How widely/loudly is this being reported in France?

If this was a RFU mistake, I would dread to think of the field day the English press (hyenas) would have.

 

[French TommyGun]

Meanwhile, Thomas and Marvin O'Connor are out due to injury while Machenaud picked up a small ankle problem. Djibril Camara and David Smith have been called up, but as it turns out that Smith is not eligible (he's played with NZ 7s before) somebody else is going to come in. Guitoune would be the logical solution but he's off with our 7s team, seems like Novès is down to his 7th or 8th choice on the wing.
Clerc maybe?

I would LOVE to see Vincent Clerk back. Obviously at 35 years old he wouldn't make it to the next world cup but just as one last Hurrah I think he would do well. Definitely our last genuine World Class winger! I have a huge amount of respect for Huget and I hope he gets back to good form from his injury but still... he isn't quite as talented as Clerk was in his hay day

 

[Chistera]

How widely/loudly is this being reported in France?

If this was a RFU mistake, I would dread to think of the field day the English press (hyenas) would have.

It's being widely reported by the sport and specialised press, but mostly ridiculed on social networks. The Federation outdid itself on that one, it's going to be hard to surpass.
That makes for the first of today's nonsensical rugby news, the other being Weepu signing for a French amateur club...

Back to this week's game, with 23 internationals having played in the Top 14 this weekend, and two injuries, I can't foresee much of an improvement, it's going to be back to basics again.

 

[JJFlash]

FFR of course. Prime example of the complete incompetence that reigns at FFR

Shameful.

- - - Updated - - -

http://www.rugbyrama.fr/rugby/6-nations/2016/6-nations-amateurisme-incompetence.-l-imbroglio-david-smith-a-enflamme-la-twittosphere_sto5188394/story.shtml

Amateurish and incompetent, according to the above article on the Rugbyrama site.
Sums it up nicely!

 

[FrenchFan]

It's being widely reported by the sport and specialised press, but mostly ridiculed on social networks. The Federation outdid itself on that one, it's going to be hard to surpass.

Not quite so. Just another day at the office for them. They are well capable of taking things much lower.

Wait till the shambles about the financing of their new stadium hit the news...oh boy

- - - Updated - - -

Shameful.

- - - Updated - - -

http://www.rugbyrama.fr/rugby/6-nat...flamme-la-twittosphere_sto5188394/story.shtml

Amateurish and incompetent, according to the above article on the Rugbyrama site.
Sums it up nicely!

Yep 2 words that are inseparable when it comes to FFR. I think they're probably the most widely used with reference to the union. Corruption and cronyism fit right in as well.
The anti-FFR hatred has reached stratospheric levels in French rugby forums. My posts here about FFR are tame in comparison.
It's great to see the rugby press taking the **** out of the union and exposing them for what they are, as opposed to grovelling to them.

- - - Updated - - -

Meanwhile, Thomas and Marvin O'Connor are out due to injury while Machenaud picked up a small ankle problem. Djibril Camara and David Smith have been called up, but as it turns out that Smith is not eligible (he's played with NZ 7s before) somebody else is going to come in. Guitoune would be the logical solution but he's off with our 7s team, seems like Novès is down to his 7th or 8th choice on the wing. Clerc maybe?

can Noves actually pick himself for the game? he was capped on the wing in his playing days. He should pick himself.
And his son in law Vincent Clerc on the other wing. Now that would scare the Welsh :lol:

 

[JJFlash]

Not quite so. Just another day at the office for them. They are well capable of taking things much lower.

Wait till the shambles about the financing of their new stadium hit the news...oh boy

- - - Updated - - -



Yep 2 words that are inseparable when it comes to FFR. I think they're probably the most widely used with reference to the union. Corruption and cronyism fit right in as well.
The anti-FFR hatred has reached stratospheric levels in French rugby forums. My posts here about FFR are tame in comparison.
It's great to see the rugby press taking the **** out of the union and exposing them for what they are, as opposed to grovelling to them.

- - - Updated - - -



can Noves actually pick himself for the game? he was capped on the wing in his playing days. He should pick himself.
And his son in law Vincent Clerc on the other wing. Now that would scare the Welsh :lol:

Ha! I wasn't aware that Vincent Clerc is Novès' son in law!
If Clerc is picked, it would be on a par with the Farrell father and son situation with England!

 

[TheOvalBall]

Ha! I wasn't aware that Vincent Clerc is Novès' son in law!
If Clerc is picked, it would be on a par with the Farrell father and son situation with England!

I'm not a fan of father's and son's being involved in the same team.