Star Players
How They've Fared
The French team is full of players that have the ability to be world beaters one game, and then basement dwellers the next game. The French club scene is set up well with 26 professional clubs between two divisions so there is no shortage of talent, although often times these clubs opt to buy experienced overseas players over the process of developing local skill which severely hampers the French development programme. One player who does offer a consistent performance for France is captain Thierry Dusautoir. Originally from the Ivory Coast Dusautoir has the mental resolve to harness the talent of the French side, making them play as a team. Without Dusautoir the team plays as individuals this is particularly due to the interesting combinations that coach Phillipe Sainte-André chooses to make, often risking the game in order to test, and build combinations for the future.
Mapping the French results over the past year would be nigh on impossible. In 2013 Les Bleus had a horror six nations campaign losing all but one of their games, next year in 2014 Les Bleus began on a high showing real resolve to beat a determined English side 26-24 and then went on to take out Italy 30-10, however in the third week the wheels fell off losing to Wales 27-6. In the 2014 June tests against Australia, France fell over losing 50-23 in the first test before bouncing back to record a 6-0 loss in the second test which could have gone either way. In world cup times France have had positive results in world cups achieving runner up thrice, third once, and fourth twice. Traditionally France play poorly in the pool stages, and then step up in the final stages, suggesting Les Bleus play better under pressure.
19/09 Vs. italy
Twickenham
23/09 Vs. Romania
Olympic Stadium
01/10 Vs Canada
Stadium MK
11/10 Vs ireland
Millenium Stadium
David Molloy