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France November squad
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ZeFrenchy
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So, I've been giving this a bit of thought, and this is what I've concluded:
Props: On the loosehead side, Domingo has no match at the moment imo. Ben Arous is a bit too green, so I'd put Forestier on the bench. On the tighthead side, Mas is a no brainer if fit, with Attoub on the bench. If Mas is not fit, then Attou starts and Debaty goes to the bench.
Hookers: Szarszewski and Kayser are a step above Guirado. I've no preference for the starter.
Locks: Mestri and Papé start, very clear here. Suta to the bench, a regular starter playing for the Top 14 leader and with several seasons of top 14 over a very promissing 20 year-old.
Back rowers: See at the end, this is the hard part.
Scrul-half: Parra is the best imo. Plus, his kicking is priceless. I don't really see why so many people want him dropped.
Fly-half: This is a hard one... Michalak is on better form than TD, but I'd still play TD because he knows Parra better.
Centres: Any pair of the four that includes Fritz. Mermoz-Fritz, Fickou-Fritz or Fritz-Fofana (in my view, Fofana is a much better 13 than 12)
Back three: Huget on form, Clerc on proven qualities, and Dullin on projection.
Now, the backrowers. My preferred one for the longer term would be Picamoles-Gunther-Chouly, but I can't see that happenning against Australia. It's a very muscly backrow, but with a lot of pace, technique and line-out ability. For this game, we may see Gunther-Nyanga or Ouedraogo-Picamoles, with Chouly on the bench.
I've actually made up my mind on two things: I don't want Lauret on the 23, and I don't want Nyanga and Ouedraogo playing simultaneously. That gives the following combinations, besides the three above:
Gunther-Nyanga or Ouedraogo-Chouly;
Nyanga or Ouedraogo-Picamoles-Chouly.
Props: On the loosehead side, Domingo has no match at the moment imo. Ben Arous is a bit too green, so I'd put Forestier on the bench. On the tighthead side, Mas is a no brainer if fit, with Attoub on the bench. If Mas is not fit, then Attou starts and Debaty goes to the bench.
Hookers: Szarszewski and Kayser are a step above Guirado. I've no preference for the starter.
Locks: Mestri and Papé start, very clear here. Suta to the bench, a regular starter playing for the Top 14 leader and with several seasons of top 14 over a very promissing 20 year-old.
Back rowers: See at the end, this is the hard part.
Scrul-half: Parra is the best imo. Plus, his kicking is priceless. I don't really see why so many people want him dropped.
Fly-half: This is a hard one... Michalak is on better form than TD, but I'd still play TD because he knows Parra better.
Centres: Any pair of the four that includes Fritz. Mermoz-Fritz, Fickou-Fritz or Fritz-Fofana (in my view, Fofana is a much better 13 than 12)
Back three: Huget on form, Clerc on proven qualities, and Dullin on projection.
Now, the backrowers. My preferred one for the longer term would be Picamoles-Gunther-Chouly, but I can't see that happenning against Australia. It's a very muscly backrow, but with a lot of pace, technique and line-out ability. For this game, we may see Gunther-Nyanga or Ouedraogo-Picamoles, with Chouly on the bench.
I've actually made up my mind on two things: I don't want Lauret on the 23, and I don't want Nyanga and Ouedraogo playing simultaneously. That gives the following combinations, besides the three above:
Gunther-Nyanga or Ouedraogo-Chouly;
Nyanga or Ouedraogo-Picamoles-Chouly.
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ZeF, don't you think a muscly France would be the more effective one against Aus in any case? I'd say rather force them (Australia) into picking their muscle (if fit) or face getting overrun up front than you guys adapting to them (you are at home as well!) and maybe not picking your form players. TBF to Australia they have uncovered some forwards with a bit of grunt but I still feel France have the upperhand there and should force an arm wretle with that hand.
ZeFrenchy
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Yeah, the problem with that backrow is not the muscle, is the inexperience. Chouly is not that young, but has played only four test matches, all of them in a weakened june-tour France side. I think one of either Nyanga or Ouedraogo will be playing. And Picamoles will surely start. The third one will probably come out of Chouly and Gunther (one more technical, the other stronger).
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I hear you. I do get frustrated about the experience coaches believe they HAVE to bulk up on as much as possible. In SA I feel it holds us back; players like Pierre Spies, Morne Steyn, Zane Kirchner, Jean de Villiers to name a few have a lot of experience but aren't half the players some of the youngsters are. I'd much rather we go the route of Wales and Aus and back our form youth over over-the-hill 'experienced' players. I couldn't say for France of course. Picamoles looks in awesome form and if Nyange/Dusatoir are not over the hill then sure I would say include them if they don't detract from a combo that might be better if not as experienced.
psychic duck
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I agree. Nyanga has been unfortunate not to have more French caps. Not only is he a good ball carrier as you mention, he's an awesome tackler. I quite like Ouedraogo, but I rate Nyanga slightly higher.
Speaking of muscle, I find Parra to be a little small in International tests. He plays with a lot of heart, and plays bigger than he is, however he does not bring a defensive presence to the match. He is an amazing player, so I am not disappointed if he is selected, but if he starts than pair him with Trinh-Duc not Michalak. Michalak & Machenaud played well together, and i was happy to see Machenaud included. I even like Doussain quite a bit. Although short he is solid, it seems France, as usual is blessed with quality scrum halves.
Big Ewis
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^ yeah I thought that, but after watching the RWC a year ago I'm convinced Parra is clearly set for int'l play. He's not even that short, he looks tiny on TV, he's about 5'11/6'. He's just young and sure, could use some more thickness !
Surprisingly mature for his young age...
Surprisingly mature for his young age...
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Not that young according to google search
Morgan Parra
placespourtous.com
Morgan Parra is a rugby union player who plays as a Scrum half and occasionally Fly-half. He plays for Clermont Auvergne in the Top 14 after signing for them from Bourgoin. Wikipedia
[TABLE="class: kno-fs ts"]
<tbody>[TR]
[TD]Born: November 15, 1892, Metz
[/TD]
[/TR]
</tbody>[/TABLE]
Morgan Parra
placespourtous.com
Morgan Parra is a rugby union player who plays as a Scrum half and occasionally Fly-half. He plays for Clermont Auvergne in the Top 14 after signing for them from Bourgoin. Wikipedia
[TABLE="class: kno-fs ts"]
<tbody>[TR]
[TD]Born: November 15, 1892, Metz
[/TD]
[/TR]
</tbody>[/TABLE]
French TommyGun
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I completely agree! In my opinion Morgan Parra is a world class player and he's such a valuable penalty kicker! I'm very surprised that people don't like him =\
i saw him in person at the RWC and I was a shocked at how big he actually is!! You have to remember that's be is always standing at the back of 8 Giants!! =D
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I cannot see a better 9 than Parra in French rugby at the moment (bearing in mind Yach is injured) and should hold the 9 berth for some time to come.
I know that Trinh Duc is not everyones "cup of tea" but, I am really sorry and although I can see how well Michalak has been playiing this season, I do not see any alternative to a Parra/Trinh Duc hinge for sometime yet......they would appear to me to be the best all round combination in Europe although if the Irish used Marshall/Sexton, I would have to go with them!!
Edit = Biarritz flanker Wenceslas Lauret is to miss the first test of the XV of France against Australia (November 10) after a blow to the head and is replaced by Lapandry.............
I know that Trinh Duc is not everyones "cup of tea" but, I am really sorry and although I can see how well Michalak has been playiing this season, I do not see any alternative to a Parra/Trinh Duc hinge for sometime yet......they would appear to me to be the best all round combination in Europe although if the Irish used Marshall/Sexton, I would have to go with them!!
Edit = Biarritz flanker Wenceslas Lauret is to miss the first test of the XV of France against Australia (November 10) after a blow to the head and is replaced by Lapandry.............
Last edited:
Big Ewis
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Not that young according to google search
Morgan Parra
placespourtous.com
Morgan Parra is a rugby union player who plays as a Scrum half and occasionally Fly-half. He plays for Clermont Auvergne in the Top 14 after signing for them from Bourgoin. Wikipedia
[TABLE="class: kno-fs ts"]
<tbody>[TR]
[TD]Born: November 15, 1892, Metz[/TD]
[/TR]
</tbody>[/TABLE]
oh my !! I'm totally wrong then, he's almost as old as rugby itself !!
but srsly...good kicker...we all know the utmost importance of a good kicker...RIGHT ITALY ?!!
ZeFrenchy
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Now with no more top 14 for the bleus, the players are fully focused on the Australia match, and already gathered in Marcoussis. Apparently, none of them suffered any injury yesterday, so the previous analyses are still valid.
The main talking point, pretty much anywhere, has been the backrow. Personnally, I think that with Lapandry joining he squad, the six backrowers that are present at the moment are the likeliest to be the long-term replacements of the now legendary Dusautoir-Bonnaire-Harinordoquy back row. Maybe Galan will have something to say, but he's not the finished product yet, so that is to be seen.
Maybe the mods can start the match threads already?
The main talking point, pretty much anywhere, has been the backrow. Personnally, I think that with Lapandry joining he squad, the six backrowers that are present at the moment are the likeliest to be the long-term replacements of the now legendary Dusautoir-Bonnaire-Harinordoquy back row. Maybe Galan will have something to say, but he's not the finished product yet, so that is to be seen.
Maybe the mods can start the match threads already?
How are you expecting the French team to line up, something along the lines of:
1. Domingo
2. Szarzewski
3. Mas
4. Maestri
5. Papé
6. Nyanga
7. Ouedraogo
8. Picamoles
9. Parra
10. Trinh-Duc
11. Huguet
12. Fritz
13. Fofana
14. Clerc
15. Fall
Out of interest is Beauxis injured? Not called up here (probably a good thing) and doesn't seem to have played for Toulouse for a few weeks (again probably a good thing).
1. Domingo
2. Szarzewski
3. Mas
4. Maestri
5. Papé
6. Nyanga
7. Ouedraogo
8. Picamoles
9. Parra
10. Trinh-Duc
11. Huguet
12. Fritz
13. Fofana
14. Clerc
15. Fall
Out of interest is Beauxis injured? Not called up here (probably a good thing) and doesn't seem to have played for Toulouse for a few weeks (again probably a good thing).
ZeFrenchy
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He is indeed injured, but I don't think he'd be called up anyhow. The side you posted is a possibility, it will probably look like something along those lines, though I think PSA sees Ouedraogo and Nyanga as an either-or question. Plus, I think he'll be playing Mermoz-Fritz at centre. Fofana may start at wing or maybe go to the bench on polyfunctionality.
My biggest concern is the back three... I don't think it's at the same level as the rest of the squad. There's also a rumour that Clerc may get cited after a late tackle in the last play of the Toulouse-Racing game, where Saubade seems to have picked up a serious injury...
My biggest concern is the back three... I don't think it's at the same level as the rest of the squad. There's also a rumour that Clerc may get cited after a late tackle in the last play of the Toulouse-Racing game, where Saubade seems to have picked up a serious injury...
martinspoonboy1
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well he's only 77 kg (just over 12 stone) for 5'11 thats not that big for a outside half. sure makes up for it with his great play tho!
Just saw this on the rugbyrama website;
Morgan Parra may be ruled out so they are going to bring in Toulouse SH Doussain. Although I stated that I did not rate Parra high on defense he is an amazing player and I hope his injury does not develop into something serious. I appreciate Doussain, and like his delivery in the games I have seen him play.
BREAKING NEWS
Bleus: Parra ménagé, Doussain appeléCe vendredi, l'encadrement de l'équipe de France a décidé de convoquer le Toulousain Jean-Marc Doussain, en renfort, en cas de forfait de Morgan Parra. Le demi de mêlée clermontois souffre d'une béquille à la cuisse gauche.Morgan Parra may be ruled out so they are going to bring in Toulouse SH Doussain. Although I stated that I did not rate Parra high on defense he is an amazing player and I hope his injury does not develop into something serious. I appreciate Doussain, and like his delivery in the games I have seen him play.
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