6N squad?

[Tribeman]

figured I'd take a shot at predicting the squad for the Six Nations before the new year. Assuming it's a 30-man squad:

Hookers (3)
-William Servat (Toulouse)
-Dimitri Szarzewski (Stade Francais)
-Benjamin Kayser (Clermont)

Props (4)
-Fabien Barcella (Biarritz)
-Jean-Baptiste Poux (Toulouse)
-Nicolas Mas (Perpignan)
-Luc Ducalcon (Castres)

Really hope Domingo comes back from injury sooner rather than later

Locks (4)
-Lionel Nallet (Racing Metro)
-Yoann Maestri (Toulouse)
-Pascal Pape (Stade Francais)
-Julien Pierre (Clermont)

Back Row (6)
-Thierry Dusautoir (Toulouse) -Captain
-Imanol Harinordoquy (Biarritz)
-Louis Picamoles (Toulouse)
-Fulgence Ouedraogo (Montpellier)
-Julien Bonnaire (Clermont)
-Raphael Lakafia (Biarritz)

Scrum Half (2)
-Morgan Parra (Clermont)
-Dimitri Yachvili (Biarritz)

Fly Half (2)
-Francois Trinh-Duc (Montpellier)
-Jean-Marc Doussain (Toulouse)

Centre (4)
-Maxime Mermoz (Perpignan)
-Yann David (Toulouse)
-Aurelien Rougerie (Clermont)
-Florian Fritz (Toulouse)

Back Three (4)
-Vincent Clerc (Toulouse)
-Maxime Medard (Toulouse)
-Clement Poitrenaud (Toulouse)
-Julien Malzieu (Clermont)

Utility (1)
-Wesley Fofana (Clermont)

[le diable noir]

I guess if there's a second fly half his name will be Lionel Beauxis, not Jean-Marc Doussain.

[Knock On]

figured I'd take a shot at predicting the squad for the Six Nations before the new year. Assuming it's a 30-man squad:

Hookers (3)
-William Servat (Toulouse)
-Dimitri Szarzewski (Stade Francais)
-Benjamin Kayser (Clermont)

Props (4)
-Fabien Barcella (Biarritz)
-Jean-Baptiste Poux (Toulouse)
-Nicolas Mas (Perpignan)
-Luc Ducalcon (Castres)

Really hope Domingo comes back from injury sooner rather than later

Locks (4)
-Lionel Nallet (Racing Metro)
-Yoann Maestri (Toulouse)
-Pascal Pape (Stade Francais)
-Julien Pierre (Clermont)

Back Row (6)
-Thierry Dusautoir (Toulouse) -Captain
-Imanol Harinordoquy (Biarritz)
-Louis Picamoles (Toulouse)
-Fulgence Ouedraogo (Montpellier)
-Julien Bonnaire (Clermont)
-Raphael Lakafia (Biarritz)

Scrum Half (2)
-Morgan Parra (Clermont)
-Dimitri Yachvili (Biarritz)

Fly Half (2)
-Francois Trinh-Duc (Montpellier)
-Jean-Marc Doussain (Toulouse)

Centre (4)
-Maxime Mermoz (Perpignan)
-Yann David (Toulouse)
-Aurelien Rougerie (Clermont)
-Florian Fritz (Toulouse)

Back Three (4)
-Vincent Clerc (Toulouse)
-Maxime Medard (Toulouse)
-Clement Poitrenaud (Toulouse)
-Julien Malzieu (Clermont)

Utility (1)
-Wesley Fofana (Clermont)


That's who I'd pick

[tigran]

Hookers (3)
-William Servat (Toulouse)
-Dimitri Szarzewski (Stade Francais)
-Genevoix or Ivaldi or Bruno (Toulon)

Props (4)
-Fabien Barcella (Biarritz)
-Jean-Baptiste Poux (Toulouse)
-Nicolas Mas (Perpignan)
-Luc Ducalcon (Castres)

Really hope Domingo comes back from injury sooner rather than later

Locks (4)
-Lionel Nallet (Racing Metro)
-Yoann Maestri (Toulouse)
-Pascal Pape (Stade Francais)
-Julien Pierre (Clermont)

Back Row (6)
-Thierry Dusautoir (Toulouse) -Captain
-Imanol Harinordoquy (Biarritz)
-Louis Picamoles (Toulouse)
-Fulgence Ouedraogo (Montpellier)
-Julien Bonnaire (Clermont)
-Raphael Lakafia (Biarritz)

Scrum Half (2)
-Morgan Parra (Clermont)
-Dimitri Yachvili (Biarritz)

Fly Half (2)
-Francois Trinh-Duc (Montpellier)
-lionel Beauxis (Toulouse)

Centre (4)
-Maxime Mermoz (Perpignan)
-Yann David (Toulouse)
-Aurelien Rougerie (Clermont)
-Florian Fritz (Toulouse)

Back Three (4)
-Vincent Clerc (Toulouse)
-Maxime Medard (Toulouse)
-Clement Poitrenaud (Toulouse)
-Julien Malzieu (Clermont)

Utility (1)
-Wesley Fofana (Clermont)

[Allez Thomas]

Well the squad of 30 is named on Thursday and the Midi Olympique have given a few clues as to who will make it. Going by position:

Props: Poux and Barcella look the most likely at loosehead, Domingo and Forestier's injuries and Schuster's poor form make it tough to see who else would make it. At tighthead it's a little trickier with Clement Ric at Clermont playing well, and only 23, but Ducalcon had a great game against Perpignan, while Mas has generally been very good since the WC.
My choices (reserve in brackets): Poux, Barcella, Mas, Ducalcon (Ric)

Hookers: Servat and Szarzewski are automatic choices, and Kayser looks like the most likely candidate for the third spot, although it doesn't really matter as whoever it is will barely play.
Servat, Szarzewski, Kayser (Roumieu)

Second Row: It's time for Maestri to get his chance at international level, and he looks to be playing very well for Toulouse. Nallet will probably get one last Six Nations, while Papé has been in fantastic form for Stade Français. That leaves a final spot for one of Pierre, Millo-Chluski or maybe a youngster like De Marco at Montpellier.
Maestri, Nallet, Papé, Pierre (De Marco)

Back Row: Dusautoir is a certainty, and Bonnaire will definitely be in as well. It seems Hari might be a little short fitness-wise because of injury but I still expect him to make it. Picamoles on current form has to be there, and start, which means no place for Lakafia imo. Ouedraogo did well on his return from injury and should be part of the squad while Nyanga seems set for a recall.
Dusautoir, Bonnaire, Hari, Ouedraogo, Nyanga, Picamoles (Diarra)

Scrum-halves: Parra should be first choice imo, and after a great start to the season I think Dupuy is ahead of Yachvili who needs a few more games. Doussain misses out for a lack of gametime behind Burgess, though I think he is looking good.
Parra, Dupuy (Doussain)

Fly-halves: Trinh-Duc will be first choice quite rightly, and in the last couple of weeks Beauxis has probably just sneaked into the backup spot. A little harsh on Wisniewski but the few weeks where Hernandez was starting at ten have cost him.
Trinh-Duc, Beauxis (Wisniewski)

Centres: Fritz has been in exceptional form, while Fofana has impressed at 12 for Clermont. I'd expect Rougerie to make it which means there isn't really space for a third 13 and David misses out. The options at 12 are a bit thin on the ground so Mermoz keeps his spot. Basta isn't ready yet imo while Doumayrou and Chavancy aren't there either.
Mermoz, Fofana, Rougerie, Fritz (David)

Back three: Clerc is guaranteed a spot, and Medard and Palisson will probably get in as well, although neither is in great form. Malzieu ought to return and Poitrenaud might be worth a gamble after a great start to the season, though his injury came at a bad time. Otherwise Buttin at Clermont looks a real talent but might have to wait until the summer.
Clerc, Medard, Palisson, Malzieu, Poitrenaud (Buttin)

[lethalflanker]

As ever, the French playing resources are frightening to behold!!

[Knock On]

As ever, the French playing resources are frightening to behold!!

Aren't they

[Drama Quin]

As ever, the French playing resources are frightening to behold!!

Just as well for the rest of us that they often punch below their weight.

It's amazing that France doesn't win more things than it does.

[Knock On]

Just as well for the rest of us that they often punch below their weight.

It's amazing that France doesn't win more things than it does.

"than they do."


Peasant.

[tigran]

Just as well for the rest of us that they often punch below their weight.

It's amazing that France doesn't win more things than it does.

France has never been a country favorising its national team..

All the countries that have won the WC have put the focus on the national team. Even England who under Woodward put a lot of focus on the preparation of the national squad.

There's a reason why I say that France is never as well prepared as their opponents. It's only just before the WC that they gather for two months. The national league is too demanding compared to the other nations.

But just two months every four years will never be as much as the others.

[Drama Quin]

What did England give to the national team that France don't? If you are talking about the club game bending over for the national good then that has never applied in England.

[Allez Thomas]

What did England give to the national team that France don't? If you are talking about the club game bending over for the national good then that has never applied in England.

Probably why England have also punched well below their weight. And for all the talk of France seriously underperforming, we have been the most consistent of any team at the World Cup, we just haven't won the whole thing. And in the Five/Six Nations since the Second World War we've won more Championships and more Slams than anyone else, and since winning our first Championship in 1954 we've never gone more than four years without winning the title.

[tigran]

Probably why England have also punched well below their weight. And for all the talk of France seriously underperforming, we have been the most consistent of any team at the World Cup, we just haven't won the whole thing. And in the Five/Six Nations since the Second World War we've won more Championships and more Slams than anyone else, and since winning our first Championship in 1954 we've never gone more than four years without winning the title.

Yep.


And under Woodward the national team had way more time to gather the players and to prepare them, during the AIs, during the six nations...The RFU paid the clubs for that.

I don't know if they still do that, but this is something that has never been done in France.

[tigran]

the probable squad according to midol :

Première ligne : Barcella (ou Debaty), Ducalcon (ou Ric), Mas, Poux
Talonneurs ; Kayser, Servat, Szarzewski
Deuxième ligne : Maestri, Millo-Chluski, Nallet (ou De Marco), Papé
Troisième ligne : Bonnaire, Dusautoir (cap.), Nyanga, Ouedraogo (ou Harinordoquy), Picamoles
Demis : Beauxis, Doussain, Dupuy, Parra, Trinh-Duc
Centres : Bastareaud, Fritz, Mermoz, Rougerie
Arrières-ailiers : Clerc, Malzieu, Médard, Fofana, Poitrenaud.

[Allez Thomas]

Without wanting to sound anti-Toulon, I can't believe Bastareaud is being tipped by both L'equipe and the Midol to make the squad. He's really not done enough to earn an international recall, especially in a position where we have enough depth already.

I'd much rather see Fofana as the fourth centre with Palisson keeping his place in the squad, even if he hasn't been at his best since the World Cup.

[tigran]

Without wanting to sound anti-Toulon, I can't believe Bastareaud is being tipped by both L'equipe and the Midol to make the squad. He's really not done enough to earn an international recall, especially in a position where we have enough depth already.

I'd much rather see Fofana as the fourth centre with Palisson keeping his place in the squad, even if he hasn't been at his best since the World Cup.

Ah bah, Palisson is playing at Toulon too...

I agree, Bastareaud has not shown enough for now, but his latest game has been quite good.

[tigran]

La liste des 30:

Première ligne : Barcella, Debaty, Ducalcon, Mas, Poux
Talonneurs : Servat, Szarzewski
Deuxième ligne : Maestri, Millo-Chluski, Pierre, Papé
Troisième ligne : Bonnaire, Dusautoir (cap.), Nyanga, Ouedraogo, Harinordoquy, Picamoles
Demis : Beauxis, Yachvili, Parra, Trinh-Duc
Centres : David, Fofana, Mermoz, Rougerie
Arrières-ailiers : Clerc, Malzieu, Médard, Palisson, Poitrenaud.

[tigran]

What did England give to the national team that France don't? If you are talking about the club game bending over for the national good then that has never applied in England.

Probably why England have also punched well below their weight. And for all the talk of France seriously underperforming, we have been the most consistent of any team at the World Cup, we just haven't won the whole thing. And in the Five/Six Nations since the Second World War we've won more Championships and more Slams than anyone else, and since winning our first Championship in 1954 we've never gone more than four years without winning the title.

Yep.


And under Woodward the national team had way more time to gather the players and to prepare them, during the AIs, during the six nations...The RFU paid the clubs for that.

I don't know if they still do that, but this is something that has never been done in France.

Another example..PSA said in the conference today that while england will gather for three weeks he'll have his player for three days before the 6 nations...

As I said, there's no comparison..

[Tribeman]

guess that's the end of the road for Nallet, sadly.

Pleased that Yann David made the cut, but I have absolutely no clue what more Fritz has to do to get selected.

[tigran]

guess that's the end of the road for Nallet, sadly.

Pleased that Yann David made the cut, but I have absolutely no clue what more Fritz has to do to get selected.

PSA said this was not a definitive squad, Fritz might be selected later...

But it's true it seems that french rugby can't cope with his mentality, shame coz he could have been one of the stars of the game..

[tigran]

"Fritz : c’est quoi le problème ?

Fritz: Quel problème ? - RUGBY - 6 Nations
Icon Sport

Infos liées :
Bleus: Avec Malzieu et deux novices
"Etonnant de se passer de Fritz"
Bleus : Beauxis s'invite
Maestri "très heureux"
Le programme du Tournoi

Auteur d'un début de saison toniturant, Florian Fritz n’a finalement pas été retenu par Philippe Saint-André dans sa liste des 30 joueurs pour le Tournoi des VI nations 2012. Une nouvelle déception pour le Toulousain qui a manqué deux Coupe du monde. Mais PSA a tenu à laisser la porte ouverte...

Fritz, le damné des Bleus ? On pourrait le croire. Car les sélectionneurs passent, les staff changent, les années défilent mais le natif de Sens n’obtient toujours pas la reconnaissance que beaucoup pensent qu’il mérite en équipe de France. La dernière fois que Florian Fritz (27 ans ; 18 sélections) a porté le maillot frappé du coq était sous l’ère Lièvremont, le 26 juin 2010. Une triste date pour le XV de France, qui fut étrillé par les Argentins à Buenos Aires sur le score sans appel de 41 à 13. Ce jour là, le Toulousain retrouvait le XV de France après un an de disette et une défaite contre les Wallabies en Australie (22-6). Fritz et les Bleus, une histoire en pointillés. La raison ?

Principalement des problèmes d’ordre relationnel avec les sélectionneurs en place... Et pourtant, Guy Novès en a fait un homme de base de son armada Rouge et Noir. Puncheur en attaque et désosseur hors-pair en défense, Florian Fritz est aujourd’hui indiscutable. Un retour en force remarqué aux airs de revanche après une nouvelle non-sélection au Mondial néo-zélandais, et une irrésistible montée en puissance qui aboutit sur trois performances majuscules contre Toulon (33-12), à Montpellier (25-45), et enfin contre Bayonne (30-15). Deux matchs suffirent à Lionel Beauxis pour réintégrer les Bleus. La question se pose: combien en faudra-t-il à Florian Fritz pour que ce dernier porte à nouveau le maillot bleu ?

Sorti du chapeau pour l’Italie ?

Philippe Saint-André a reconnu que le poste de centre avait été, avec celui de première ligne, celui qui avait fait l’objet des débats "les plus animés", rappelant qu’il y existait "beaucoup de compétition". Finalement, le technicien a préféré privilégier la continuité en reconduisant la paire finaliste du Mondial Mermoz-Rougerie, accompagnée de l’étoile montante clermontoise Wesley Fofana et du surpuissant toulousain Yann David, coéquipier de Fritz.

Pour autant, PSA a tenu à laisser la porte ouverte au banni: "Florian réalise un très bon début de saison, mais encore une fois, cette liste de trente n’est pas définitive. Il est même possible qu’un joueur qui n’a pas participé au stage de préparation soit intégré dans le groupe pour affronter l’Italie. Il n’y aura pas cinq joueurs dans ce cas, mais un, c’est possible". Une déclaration un brin énigmatique qui laisserait entendre que Fritz (ou un autre) pourrait être sorti du chapeau pour défier l’Italie. La malédiction va-t-elle encore persister longtemps ? Il faut espérer que non. Le joueur a fait de la Coupe du monde 2015 son objectif principal. Et Guy Novès ne peut que s’en réjouir."

From Midol

[Allez Thomas]

Overall a good squad, though really let down by the omission of Fritz. I really rate David but so far this season, Fritz surely had to be in there. The only hope is PSA's comment that someone outside the squad could still feature against Italy, but I'm not holding out much hope. Seems like the rumours of a rift with Jo Maso could be true, a shame given that Maso was another who played far fewer games than he should have for France.

As far as the rest of the squad is confirmed, I'm not convinced by Debaty, scrummaging he is not really good enough at international level, and regardless of the injury issues at loosehead I wouldn't have called him up.
Yachvili can probably count himself a little bit lucky to make it, although he was apparently outstanding against Toulon, still harsh on Dupuy to miss out.
And while it is a shame for Nallet to go out like this, it's great to see Maestri get a shot. I think he'll do a great job.

[tigran]

Overall a good squad, though really let down by the omission of Fritz. I really rate David but so far this season, Fritz surely had to be in there. The only hope is PSA's comment that someone outside the squad could still feature against Italy, but I'm not holding out much hope. Seems like the rumours of a rift with Jo Maso could be true, a shame given that Maso was another who played far fewer games than he should have for France.

As far as the rest of the squad is confirmed, I'm not convinced by Debaty, scrummaging he is not really good enough at international level, and regardless of the injury issues at loosehead I wouldn't have called him up.
Yachvili can probably count himself a little bit lucky to make it, although he was apparently outstanding against Toulon, still harsh on Dupuy to miss out.
And while it is a shame for Nallet to go out like this, it's great to see Maestri get a shot. I think he'll do a great job.

Do you know details about the Fritz/Maso stuff ?

As for Maestri, it's good to see a player from Toulon two years ago making the squad, they are quite disappointed not to have him over there...

[Allez Thomas]

Do you know details about the Fritz/Maso stuff ?

As for Maestri, it's good to see a player from Toulon two years ago making the squad, they are quite disappointed not to have him over there...

No sadly, though I know a couple of people who might so we'll see what I find out. It's disappointing though.

Agreed about Maestri, Palisson must also be the first Toulon player called up in a long time! Pleased to see they got the right one and took him not Basta!

[tigran]

No sadly, though I know a couple of people who might so we'll see what I find out. It's disappointing though.

Agreed about Maestri, Palisson must also be the first Toulon player called up in a long time! Pleased to see they got the right one and took him not Basta!

It's true it's really interesting to see how Maso has turned (if the rumour is true), from banned to bannisher...

[Tribeman]

Overall a good squad, though really let down by the omission of Fritz. I really rate David but so far this season, Fritz surely had to be in there. The only hope is PSA's comment that someone outside the squad could still feature against Italy, but I'm not holding out much hope. Seems like the rumours of a rift with Jo Maso could be true, a shame given that Maso was another who played far fewer games than he should have for France.

As far as the rest of the squad is confirmed, I'm not convinced by Debaty, scrummaging he is not really good enough at international level, and regardless of the injury issues at loosehead I wouldn't have called him up.
Yachvili can probably count himself a little bit lucky to make it, although he was apparently outstanding against Toulon, still harsh on Dupuy to miss out.
And while it is a shame for Nallet to go out like this, it's great to see Maestri get a shot. I think he'll do a great job.

to be fair, an excellent (albeit losing) performance in a world cup final isn't a bad way to cap off your international career

anyway, likely XXII out of that lot?

1. Poux
2. Servat
3. Mas
4. Pape
5. Maestri
6. Dusautoir (c)
7. Ouedraogo
8. Picamoles
9. Parra
10. Trinh-Duc
11. Malzieu
12. Fofana
13. David
14. Clerc
15. Medard

16. Szarzewski
17. Barcella
18. Millo-Chluski
19. Bonnaire
20. Yachvili
21. Beauxis
22. Poitrenaud

that midfield is pretty raw but very exciting

[tigran]

to be fair, an excellent (albeit losing) performance in a world cup final isn't a bad way to cap off your international career

anyway, likely XXII out of that lot?

1. Poux
2. Servat
3. Mas
4. Pape
5. Maestri
6. Dusautoir (c)
7. Ouedraogo
8. Picamoles
9. Parra
10. Trinh-Duc
11. Malzieu
12. Fofana
13. David
14. Clerc
15. Medard

16. Szarzewski
17. Barcella
18. Millo-Chluski
19. Bonnaire
20. Yachvili
21. Beauxis
22. Poitrenaud

I don't think they'll risk a totally inexperimented center pairing for the start of the 6 nations.

They might opt for the same than the final, then I'ld see Mermoz David..

[Tribeman]

I don't think they'll risk a totally inexperimented center pairing for the start of the 6 nations.

They might opt for the same than the final, then I'ld see Mermoz David..

whoops, I forgot Mermoz was in the squad for some reason.

Fofana would definitely be a useful bench option then

[tigran]

whoops, I forgot Mermoz was in the squad for some reason.

Fofana would definitely be a useful bench option then

Yes, but really I don't think they'll dare yet opt for another pair than Mermoz/ Rougerie...

Though in the end it might well be Mermoz/Fritz..


My fav would be Fritz/David, but I don't think we'll see that..

[SixNAHalf]

to be fair, an excellent (albeit losing) performance in a world cup final isn't a bad way to cap off your international career

anyway, likely XXII out of that lot?

1. Poux
2. Servat
3. Mas
4. Pape
5. Maestri
6. Dusautoir (c)
7. Ouedraogo
8. Picamoles
9. Parra
10. Trinh-Duc
11. Malzieu
12. Fofana
13. David
14. Clerc
15. Medard

16. Szarzewski
17. Barcella
18. Millo-Chluski
19. Bonnaire
20. Yachvili
21. Beauxis
22. Poitrenaud

that midfield is pretty raw but very exciting

No Nyanga or Hari in the back row?

France have amazing depth at centre and in the back row.

I think Malzieu balances well with Clerc on the other wing.

This could be the team to beat...!

[Tribeman]

No Nyanga or Hari in the back row?

France have amazing depth at centre and in the back row.

I think Malzieu balances well with Clerc on the other wing.

This could be the team to beat...!

Hari is injured I believe, though you're right that if fit he's an automatic starter. A back row of him, Dusautoir and Picamoles for me.

[tigran]

By the way, I note, interestinglythingy, that Hari is being selected in spite of his critics on lièvremont...

[le diable noir]

Millo-Chluski out,
Nallet in ....

[tigran]

http://www.rugby365.fr/


I've already said it, but I'm quite pleased with the french coaches, even though it's not shared in here..

I think that for the first time in a long long time we really have a combination of coaches who is competent and creative...

fingers crossed..

[baobob]

http://www.rugby365.fr/


I've already said it, but I'm quite pleased with the french coaches, even though it's not shared in here..

I think that for the first time in a long long time we really have a combination of coaches who is competent and creative...

fingers crossed..

We'll see, maybe it's st André the weak link!!!

[tigran]

We'll see, maybe it's st André the weak link!!!

I think it's a combination..With characters like them no one is gonna be weak, and there could be a great alchimy..

They might be weak links alone, but I'm feeling good about the alchimy they can make..

We'll see though, as you say..

[tigran]

The french squad :

Les 23 Bleus:

Première ligne: Poux, Mas, Debaty, Attoub, Servat, Szarzewski.

Deuxième ligne: Papé, Nallet, Maestri.

Troisième ligne: Dusautoir (cap.), Bonnaire, Picamoles, Harinordoquy.

Demis de mêlée: Parra, Yachvili.

Demis d'ouverture: Beauxis, Trinh-Duc.

Centres: Mermoz, Rougerie, Fofana.

Ailiers: Clerc, Malzieu.

Arrière: Médard.

[le diable noir]

The french squad :

Les 23 Bleus:

Première ligne: Poux, Mas, Debaty, Attoub, Servat, Szarzewski.

Deuxième ligne: .....

That's the proof that PSA is even more crazy than Marc Lièvremont.

[tigran]

That's the proof that PSA is even more crazy than Marc Lièvremont.

Why ?

[le diable noir]

Why ?

Because there's no way that these two are better (or even equal) to Barcella or Ducalcon.

[tigran]

Because there's no way that these two are better (or even equal) to Barcella or Ducalcon.

Seems Debatty is not good enough at scrum time, but Attoub I don't know, I haven't seen enoug of him..

Barcella is still not back to his former self ...Ducalcon I don't know..

[le diable noir]

Seems Debatty is not good enough at scrum time, but Attoub I don't know, I haven't seen enoug of him..

Barcella is still not back to his former self ...Ducalcon I don't know..

According to rugbyrama PSA said that Ducalcon plays 25 minutes a match at Castres only while Attoub 'est titulaire avec le Stade Français'.

Seems you're short of fit french props.

[le diable noir]

That's the team rugbyrama expects to smash Italy :

Le XV probable: Médard ; Clerc, Rougerie, Mermoz, Malzieu ; (o) Trinh-Duc, (m) Yachvili ; Bonnaire, Picamoles (ou Harinordoquy), Dusautoir (cap) ; Nallet, Papé ; Mas, Servat, Poux.

Remplaçants: Szarzewski, Debaty, Maestri, Harinordoquy (ou Picamoles), Parra, Beauxis, Fofana.

[Knock On]

Little vid from the Grauniad

http://www.guardian.co.uk/sport/video/2012/jan/30/six-nations-preview-france-video

[tigran]

Little vid from the Grauniad

http://www.guardian.co.uk/sport/video/2012/jan/30/six-nations-preview-france-video

Thanks, I agree with him btw,

Continuity, yep, that's what lièvremont didn't know anything about, and that's what makes me confident this staff will really do well..

[le diable noir]

Bleus: le XV de départ

Philippe Saint-André a livré, ce mardi à midi, la composition de l'équipe pour affronter l'Italie, samedi au Stade France. Le XV de départ comportera douze mondialistes. Fofana fêtera lui sa première sélection.

La composition: 15. Médard; 14. Clerc, 13. Rougerie, 12. Fofana, 11. Malzieu; 10. Trinh-Duc, 9. Yachvili; 7. Bonnaire, 8. Picamoles, 6. Dusautoir (cap.); 5. Nallet, 4. Papé; 3. Mas, 2. Servat, 1. Debaty.

Remplaçants: 16; Szarzewski, 17. Poux, 18. Maestri, 19. Harinordoquy, 20. Parra, 21. Beauxis, 22. Mermoz.

© rugbyrama

[Beefeater]

Looks very strong. Nallet went from enforced retirement to the starting line-up. Debaty a good loosehead?

[tigran]

Looks very strong. Nallet went from enforced retirement to the starting line-up. Debaty a good loosehead?

I don't know Debaty as a scrumager, good in the loose...according to the others he's considered as a weak link in the scrum..

[le diable noir]

I don't know Debaty as a scrumager, good in the loose...according to the others he's considered as a weak link in the scrum..

Debaty starts because of his performances in the HC matches against Castrogiovanni. That's what PSA explained just a couple of hours ago.

[tigran]

Debaty starts because of his performances in the HC matches against Castrogiovanni. That's what PSA explained just a couple of hours ago.

I haven't watched those games, was he good ?

[le diable noir]

I haven't watched those games, was he good ?

I haven't watched Clermont vs Leicester either but PSA obviously has done it and seems satisfied enough to call him. I wouldn't even have thought about Debaty when thinking about props for the XV de France.

[baobob]

I haven't watched Clermont vs Leicester either but PSA obviously has done it and seems satisfied enough to call him. I wouldn't even have thought about Debaty when thinking about props for the XV de France.

Are you happy LT?
A Belgium in the french squad!!
Bad news for Les Diables Noirs!!

[le diable noir]

Are you happy LT?
A Belgium in the french squad!!
Bad news for Les Diables Noirs!!

I'll be happy when Belgium is promoted to ENC Div 1A - and stays there for more than a season. ;)

Btw despite his nickname 'le belge' he isn't belgian any more since quite a few years. He's french though. But I guess that every belgian rugby fan keeps fingers crossed for him (and the team) on saturday.

The (younger) brothers of Vincent Debaty are diables noirs nonetheless.

[tigran]

Are you happy LT?
A Belgium in the french squad!!
Bad news for Les Diables Noirs!!

Moules, frites et gauffres au menu du Pub !


I'm glad to see Fofana instead of Mermoz btw..

[baobob]

I'll be happy when Belgium is promoted to ENC Div 1A - and stays there for more than a season. ;)

Btw despite his nickname 'le belge' he isn't belgian any more since quite a few years. He's french though. But I guess that every belgian rugby fan keeps fingers crossed for him (and the team) on saturday.

The (younger) brothers of Vincent Debaty are diables noirs nonetheless.

La Belgitude est en lui!!

[baobob]

Moules, frites et gauffres au menu du Pub !


I'm glad to see Fofana instead of Mermoz btw..

Love it!!

Any Beers???

[tigran]

Love it!!

Any Beers???

Beers are for LDN.. I've had some great ones in Bruxelles..

[le diable noir]

La Belgitude est en lui!!

Well, his parents are belgians. He said they'll be coming from belgium to the SdF to watch him play.

[Tribeman]

Bleus: le XV de départ

Philippe Saint-André a livré, ce mardi à midi, la composition de l'équipe pour affronter l'Italie, samedi au Stade France. Le XV de départ comportera douze mondialistes. Fofana fêtera lui sa première sélection.

La composition: 15. Médard; 14. Clerc, 13. Rougerie, 12. Fofana, 11. Malzieu; 10. Trinh-Duc, 9. Yachvili; 7. Bonnaire, 8. Picamoles, 6. Dusautoir (cap.); 5. Nallet, 4. Papé; 3. Mas, 2. Servat, 1. Debaty.

Remplaçants: 16; Szarzewski, 17. Poux, 18. Maestri, 19. Harinordoquy, 20. Parra, 21. Beauxis, 22. Mermoz.

© rugbyrama

quite happy with that. Bonnaire/Ouedraogo and Yachvili/Parra are marginal calls as all four players are excellent and in good form.

Other than no Barcella/Domingo and no Harinordoquy in the starting lineup, that's the strongest French side I've seen picked for quite some time.

[le diable noir]

...
Bad news for Les Diables Noirs!!

Not at all !! The best promo for rugby im belgium I remember :

Un "Belge" dans la mêlée du XV de France (http://www.skynet.be/actu-sports/sports/article/845522/belge-dans-melee-france)

They talk about rugby on TV, on the radio, and they write a lot about it. Somesthing that wouldn't have been done without Debaty at this time of the year. :)

[le diable noir]

The french squad :

Les 23 Bleus:

Première ligne: Poux, Mas, Debaty, Attoub, Servat, Szarzewski.

Deuxième ligne: Papé, Nallet, Maestri.

Troisième ligne: Dusautoir (cap.), Bonnaire, Picamoles, Harinordoquy.

Demis de mêlée: Parra, Yachvili.

Demis d'ouverture: Beauxis, Trinh-Duc.

Centres: Mermoz, Rougerie, Fofana.

Ailiers: Clerc, Malzieu.

Arrière: Médard.

That's the group for Ireland too.

[tigran]

That's the group for Ireland too.

et voila..

Ta daaa... a propor selector has arrived..

[le diable noir]

Assumption of rugbyrama for the match against Ireland.


Le XV de départ probable : Médard ; Clerc, Rougerie, Fofana, Malzieu ; (o) Beauxis, (m) Yachvili ; Harinordoquy, Picamoles, Dusautoir ; Nallet, Papé ; Attoub, Servat, Debaty.

Remplaçants: Poux, Szarzewski, Maestri, Bonnaire, Parra, Trinh-Duc, Mermoz. 23e homme: Mas

Final XV de départ tomorrow noon.

[le diable noir]

Well, and that's the assumption of l'équipe.

Le XV de départ probable : Médard - Clerc, Rougerie, Fofana, Malzieu - (o) Beauxis, (m) Yachvili - Harinordoquy, Picamoles, (Cap.) Dusautoir - Nallet, Papé - Attoub, Servat, Debaty.

Remplaçants : Poux, Szarzewski, Maestri, Bonnaire, Parra, Trinh-Duc, Mermoz. 23e homme : Mas.


Looks like if they had done a kind of c/p of the rugbyrama assumption ...

[tigran]

Well, and that's the assumption of l'équipe.

Le XV de départ probable : Médard - Clerc, Rougerie, Fofana, Malzieu - (o) Beauxis, (m) Yachvili - Harinordoquy, Picamoles, (Cap.) Dusautoir - Nallet, Papé - Attoub, Servat, Debaty.

Remplaçants : Poux, Szarzewski, Maestri, Bonnaire, Parra, Trinh-Duc, Mermoz. 23e homme : Mas.


Looks like if they had done a kind of c/p of the rugbyrama assumption ...

They have probably eaten together..

[le diable noir]

They have probably eaten together..

Your comment to that first row ?

[le diable noir]

The team for Ireland :

Le XV de départ: Médard ; Clerc, Rougerie, Fofana, Malzieu ; (o) Trinh-Duc, (m) Yachvili ; Harinordoquy, Picamoles, Dusautoir ; Maestri, Papé ; Poux, Szarzewski, Mas.

Remplaçants: Servat, Debaty, Nallet, Bonnaire, Parra, Beauxis, Mermoz. 23e homme: Attoub

[tigran]

The team for Ireland :

Le XV de départ: Médard ; Clerc, Rougerie, Fofana, Malzieu ; (o) Trinh-Duc, (m) Yachvili ; Harinordoquy, Picamoles, Dusautoir ; Maestri, Papé ; Poux, Szarzewski, Mas.

Remplaçants: Servat, Debaty, Nallet, Bonnaire, Parra, Beauxis, Mermoz. 23e homme: Attoub

Good team,

interesting to see how Maestri will fare against such experimented opposition, hope he won't see red...

[le diable noir]

Well, good old Dimitri Yachvili is victime d'un lumbago and out.

The 'new' team for Ireland :

Le XV de départ: Médard ; Clerc, Rougerie, Fofana, Malzieu ; (o) Trinh-Duc, (m) Parra ; Harinordoquy, Picamoles, Dusautoir ; Maestri, Papé ; Poux, Szarzewski, Mas.

Remplaçants: Servat, Debaty, Nallet, Bonnaire, Dupuy, Beauxis, Mermoz. 23e homme: Attoub

[le diable noir]

The group for Scotland :

Avants: David Attoub, Vincent Debaty, Nicolas Mas, Jean-Baptiste Poux, William Servat, Dimitri Szarzewski, Pascal Papé, Yoann Maestri, Lionel Nallet, Julien Bonnaire, Thierry Dusautoir (captain), Louis Picamoles, Imanol Harinordoquy.

Arrières: Morgan Parra, Julien Dupuy, François Trinh-Duc, Lionel Beauxis, Aurelien Rougerie, Maxime Mermoz, Wesley Fofana, Vincent Clerc, Julien Malzieu, Maxime Médard.

[le diable noir]

... and the team for Scotland :


Le XV de départ: Médard ; Clerc, Rougerie, Fofana, Malzieu ; Trinh-Duc, Parra ; Harinordoquy, Picamoles, Dusautoir (cap.) ; Maestri, Papé ; Mas, Szarzewski, Poux.

Remplaçants: Servat, Debaty, Nallet, Bonnaire, Dupuy, Beauxis, Mermoz.

[le diable noir]

As usual they know nothing and aren't sure at all. But they assume this is the possible team for Ireland :

L'équipe possible: Poitrenaud ; Clerc, Rougerie, Fofana, Malzieu ; Beauxis, Parra ; Bonnaire, Picamoles, Dusautoir (cap.) ; Maestri, Papé ; Attoub ou Mas, Servat ou Szarzewski, Poux.

Remplaçants: Szarzewski ou Servat, Debaty, Nallet, Harinordoquy, Dupuy, Trinh-Duc, Mermoz.

23e homme: Mas ou Attoub

[tigran]

As usual they know nothing and aren't sure at all. But they assume this is the possible team for Ireland :

L'équipe possible: Poitrenaud ; Clerc, Rougerie, Fofana, Malzieu ; Beauxis, Parra ; Bonnaire, Picamoles, Dusautoir (cap.) ; Maestri, Papé ; Attoub ou Mas, Servat ou Szarzewski, Poux.

Remplaçants: Szarzewski ou Servat, Debaty, Nallet, Harinordoquy, Dupuy, Trinh-Duc, Mermoz.

23e homme: Mas ou Attoub

yeah, the kicking hasn't been good, again, but I don't know, if we replace FTD we'll lose his force de pénétration and it was thanks to that that we scored a try not due to a turn over in Scotland.

[le diable noir]

Team for Ireland :


Le XV de départ : Poitrenaud ; Clerc, Rougerie, Fofana, Malzieu ; (o) Trinh-Duc, (m) Parra ; Bonnaire, Harinordoquy, Dusautoir (cap) ; Maestri, Papé ; Mas, Szarzewski, Poux.

Remplaçants : Servat, Debaty, Nallet, Picamoles, Dupuy, Beauxis, Mermoz.