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The Teams....
Le Beguinne
French sport, like it's food, has always been in a class of it's own. From staples such as cheese and bread to it's masterful hams and pastries and even curios such as snails or Tartare, the nation has always put it's own indellibe stamp on whatever it does. And of course, it's rugby follows this pattern down to the tee, as if it were a stereotype that it was proud to live up to.
Until now, that is. Yes, it's that time of year. Six Nations has arrived.
A poor Six Nations in 2018 that yielded just 8 tries for Les Bleus was followed by a poorer tour to New Zealand, (It's main highlight for the visitors was a rescinded red card.) and an even poorer Autumn that saw defeat to to South Africa and Fiji, leaving them a shameful 9th in the World Rankings. That drop goal a year ago clearly did more damage than we thought Sacréd bleu :rolleyes:
On the other hand things have been better for the visitors. A strong summer and winter series has left Warren Gatland cockier than a Moy Park stud rooster, I say I say I say, although poor results in the Ken Cup have blurred the Welsh halo somewhat. On the balance of results alone you'd go for Wales but that other French cliche, that of which France team turns up so lets see who's invited....
The Teams
Much pressure will be thrust upon France's debutant Romain Ntamack (below), not least for making the squad at the supposed expense of the somewhat larger Bastareaud or his bloodline but for his strong season for Toulouse.
He has the benefit of having Parra and Wesley Fofana to help make the step up, and it will be needed. Hadleigh Parkes and Jonathan Davies will be running at him from early on if the Welsh pack can get returning scrum half Tomas Williams clean quick ball. If the breaks are made then the French full back line will be nullified and in trouble; if not then the French pack will clean up shop;.
Speaking of the pack, France will look to fight up front and make use of what is one of their strongest assets; their large experienced pack. Ever reliable Picamoles comes in at 8 and Sebastien Vahaamahina partners debutant Paul Willemse at engine/jumping duties. A strong front row sees hooker Guidardo captain the team
Wales for their part have no Halpenny this week; he's away on Concussion protocol resting so Liam Willams gets a run out and Alan Wyn Jones makes what feels like his 25,000th cap as captain.
Le Verdict
Coming from where both teams are, it's much harder to see a home win over an away loss come 10PM tomorrow evening. The French team have not worked well under Brunel, with the phrases "ringing the changes" being the most constant thing, almost the only constant in their game of late. Whatever about their club game grinding to a halt, their international team certainly has and with the Webb Ellis just 10 months away it is too late for a French recovery.
My prediction tomorrow is for a 27-21 away win, a tired home pack late and for the Welsh to hold the French chicken in the air....
