Rugby World Cup 2015: Pool D profile – the enigma of France
They made the final in 2011 and after four years of mediocrity could the French be about to spring yet another World Cup surprise?
Four years ago, France lost by a single point to New Zealand in front of the All Blacks' home crowd in the final at Auckland's Eden Park. The fact they made the final was an achievement in itself; that they ran the All Blacks so close was remarkable.
That said, the defeat made it the most unwanted of hat-tricks, as Les Bleus fell just short of winning the Webb Ellis Cup for a third time. Typically, you never know what you're going to get with the French side. Dazzling and dynamic on the one hand, sporadic and frustrating on the other, they're the kind of enigmatic team that other sides will want to avoid particularly if they build confidence and momentum in their pool matches that begin with a clash against Italy at Twickenham.
Star man: Thierry Dusautoir
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.
Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
At 6ft 2ins and 16st 5lb, France's Ivory Coast-born captain is an icon, but he isn't the force he was and in recent seasons he's becoming increasingly injury prone. Yet if the Toulouse flanker stays fit he'll be rallying point for this French side that, on its day, is a match for anyone.
One to watch: Wesley Fofana
The most gifted centre in Europe, Fofana grew up in Paris and was a footballer for much of his youth. Since turning to rugby he's demonstrated a rare set of skills, combining pace with strength and brilliant footwork. Given the space he could create chaos in opposition defences.
Coach: Phillipe Saint-Andre
One of France's finest ever wingers, Phillipe Saint-Andre (aka PSA) took over the French national side in 2011 having enjoyed spells in charge of Sale Sharks and Gloucester. Since then he has presided over four years of rank mediocrity during when France haven't finished higher than fourth in the Six Nations. But there have been glimpses over the summer that PSA has managed to bring some semblance of cohesion and coherence to Les Bleus, and their 25-20 victory over England in Paris last month will be the fillip to fill France with confidence for the weeks ahead.
Sign up for Today's Best Articles in your inbox
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
-
2024: the year of romantasies
In the Spotlight A generation of readers that grew up on YA fantasy series are getting their kicks from the spicy subgenre
By Theara Coleman, The Week US Published
-
US won its war on 'murder hornets,' officials say
Speed Read The announcement comes five years after the hornets were first spotted in the US
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
California declares bird flu emergency
Speed Read The emergency came hours after the nation's first person with severe bird flu infection was hospitalized
By Rafi Schwartz, The Week US Published
-
Paris Olympics: will it be a success?
Today's Big Question Organisers hope the 'spectacle' of the 2024 Games will lift the cloud of negativity that has hung over the build-up
By Chas Newkey-Burden, The Week UK Published
-
Teen hit by car and killed during World Cup celebrations in France
Speed Read
By Brigid Kennedy Published
-
Paris won't hold big-screen World Cup broadcasts due to concerns about Qatar
Speed Read
By Devika Rao Published
-
A World Cup every two years - for football and rugby union?
Pros and Cons Governing bodies of both sports are discussing the option of biennial tournaments
By The Week Staff Published
-
The Week Unwrapped: Sporting peril, boycotting France and farming tomorrow
podcast Will rugby survive a concussion crisis? Why are French goods being recalled across the Arab world? And what’s happening down on the farm?
By The Week Staff Published
-
Premier League 2020-21 predictions and odds: champions, top four, relegation
The Week Recommends A look at what the football media has to say ahead of the new season
By Mike Starling Published
-
Paris Saint-Germain vs. Bayern Munich: Alphonso Davies expects a ‘goalfest’
The Week Recommends Key talking points ahead of the Champions League final
By Mike Starling Published
-
Man City’s ‘World Cup’: Pep Guardiola’s team bid for Champions League glory
The Week Recommends Sky Blues prepare for a potential three knockout games in eight days in Portugal
By Mike Starling Published