Not sure if Julien Malzieu (Clermont) can play full-back, but if he can I would have him starting ahead of Cedric Heymans (Stade Toulousain) considering Heymans didn't really play well against the Puma's in the full-back spot [/b]
Agreed that Heymans f***ed up against Argentina (like Skrela, Martin, Mignoni, Michalak... well, the entire team actually) but he played at fullback for Toulouse at some occasions this season, pushing Poitrenaud to center. And he played very well: I remember that he scored a 50m try against Clermont in Top14, that was a hell of a run, bringing back some memories of Jason Robinson. Just look at it:
http://fr.youtube.com/watch?v=566TP-Si1yk
He has a massive kick too, wich is always helpful.
For the newcomers, what can I tell:
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François Trin-Duc:
This Jackie Chan look alike is like Cypriani in England, the hotest fly half of the moment in Top 14 and has been elected player of the month of november. He scored a try and a dropgoal against Perpignan, leading his team to victory. He also scored two tries against Clermont. He has speed, creativity and intelligence in his play.
His defaults ? Still green, and average in his kicking play. Moreover he's not the first option as goalkicker in Montpellier. Good potential but beware of a new Michalak. (his profile is quite similar to him)
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Julien Malzieu:
How good is he ? Simple: he pushed Delasau (that fidjian winger who was excellent on the RWC) on the bench at Clermont. He was quite impressive in Top14 and H-Cup, with some tries and good actions. He's at the moment better than Rougerie for some people, including the french staff. (Rougerie was taken only because Heymans is moved at fullback)
Note that he's a former Seven player for France. He was in the team who win a tournament in Paris a couple of years ago. (with Vincent Clerc)
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Fulgence Oueadrogo:
Hav'nt seen him a lot, but he seems quite similar as Nyanga in his play: athletic, good runner. Maybe more regular than him. Already has two caps in the slaughters versus New Zealand last summer...
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Loïc Jacquet:
He also has two caps... in the slaughters vs New Zealand in November 2006, lol. But he is a very good player, we know it since one or two seasons, but he had a long injury before World Cup. He will probably be in the first XV along Nallet.
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Morgan Parra:
A very young (19 years) scrum half / fly half playing for Bourgoin. Despite his youth he seems to be mature and already had a few H-Cup games with Bourgoin.
Like I said in another topic I think this is a quite balanced squad, with youngs & confirmed players, building a team for the future. There are also some talented players who was barred by Freakin' Bernard Laporte (Fritz especially) who makes their returns and it's a good thing.
Plus the trio Lievremont/N'Tamack/Retieres seem to want to bring back the good ol' french flair... so i'm pretty excited by this team !
