1.- The french press is so anti-Lèvremont (as is everybody else), that no-one has mentioned the las minute scrum that could have resulted in a kickable penalty for France. The players and coach don't mention it, probably because they would be accused of making excuses up.
2.- Lièvremont said that it was some players' last game with the french jersey. It seems too much of a far-fetched declaration, given that will be in charge of team selection for very little longer (WC at most). Anyway, I think it's words that deserve some thought. The six players sent back were Chabal, Jauzion, Marconnet, Poitrenaud, Rougérie and Thion. Here's what I think of each of them:
Marconnet : France's most capped prop in history, with 83. At 34 it is very unlikely that will be playing any international rugby after the WC and, given what ML said, it seems he won't be playing any before or during either. A very effective scrummager, but a bit too old to hold in the loose. Can play both 1 and 3, something uncommon these days. I would have taken him to the WC as a replacement, and I think he had a decent game against Italy, especially considering he made Castrogiovanni go back.
Jauzion : one of my favorite players around, but he has been absolute crap for France after last year's 6N. Probably still playing the WC although not a sure thing at it seemed before. Hard to say if he will play again after. It would be extemely sad if this was his last game for France, a player like him deserved better.
Chabal : His exclusion of the team just corrects a historic mistake, since the guy should have never been there. Good enough for club rugby, but way too predictible and techniquely poor for international level. Hopefully his last game with France, but ML seems to like him.
Poitrenaud : Gets nervous in big occasions. Very good for Toulouse and for France when nothing in play. Only 28 though, so even if he is not included in the WC squad, he will probably play again with the next coach.
Thion : Have never rated him. 33 years old, probably won't make it for the WC, but still may play some games afterwards. Hard to say, since locks often have a role that only team mates can tell.
Rougérie : Sent back only for the disciplinary hearing, so I don't think there is anything to say.
What do you guys think of the first four?
