PHILIPPE SAINT-ANDRÉ has named a strong 31-man squad ahead of the 2015 Six Nations, with the uncapped Clermont wing Nao Nakaitaci included.
The Fiji-born winger previously played for France in a non-Test match against the Blues on the 2013 tour of New Zealand, but his electric form in the Top 14 and Champions Cup [including a try against Munster] has him in contention for a first cap.
Toulouse number eight Louis Picamoles, Racing Métro pair Brice Dulin andEddy Ben Arous, prop Rabah Slimani of Stade Français and Bordeaux wing Sofiane Guitoune all return to Saint-André’s squad after missing the November Test series.
Elsewhere, the usual suspects such as Nicolas Mas, captain Thierry Dusautoir, Mathieu Bastareaud, Wesley Fofana and Yoann Maestro provide quality, while Clermont’s Camille Lopez looks set to retain the number 10 shirt as his superb run of performances continues.
South Africa-born trio Rory Kockott, Bernard Le Roux and Scott Spedding retain their spots in the squad, while mammoth New Zealand native Uini Atonio is present again.
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Two exciting young players to watch are Bayonne’s 21-year-old number eight Charles Ollivon, who has been excellent in the Top 14 this season, and wing sensation Teddy Thomas, who scored four tries in November before being dropped for missing training.
The major ommision from the group is Racing Métro’s 79-times capped hooker Dimitri Szarzewski, while Morgan Parra is again left out.
Munster know all about Nakaitaci's quality on the ball. Inpho / Billy Stickland
Inpho / Billy Stickland / Billy Stickland
This is the most balanced squad Saint-André has named in some time, and after the up-and-down nature of his tenure so far, it appears that the looming 2015 Rugby World Cup is focusing the enigmatic head coach’s mind.
Ireland play France in Dublin on Saturday 14 February, while they also face Les Blues in Pool D of the World Cup on October 11.
31-man France training squad for Six Nations:
Props: Eddy Ben Arous (Racing Métro), Alexandre Menini (Toulon), Nicolas Mas (Montpellier), Uini Atonio (La Rochelle), Rabah Slimani (Stade Français)
Hookers: Benjamin Kayser (Clermont), Guilhem Guirado (Toulon)
Back rows: Damien Chouly (Clermont), Thierry Dusautoir (Toulouse, captain), Bernard Le Roux (Racing-Métro), Yannick Nyanga (Toulouse), Charles Ollivon (Bayonne), Louis Picamoles (Toulouse)
Ireland has never been “made up” of Southern Hemisphere players. In our final 6 nations match for example not one import started. In our final November international also it was 15 Irish men that started.
Ok maybe “made up” was the wrong phrase to use. I just think everything should be done to have a home grown player playing for his country. Or maybe cap the number of imported players on teams.
I am of the opinion that Philleppe Saint-André should stay as France head coach for oh, say, the next 6-8 years. Or until the World Cup group stages finish would be nice too.
They’re very weak at 9 and 10. It’s a gross over-simplification but that certainly was the prime difference between Australia, South Africa and Ireland. It’ll prove the difference between France, England and ourselves.
I wonder where will the armitage bros be come World Cup time? They will make a massive difference to either France of England! Surely they won’t be left out????
Both have been capped by England but both could become eligable for france through a backdoor 7s IRB rule if they are picked for France’s Olympic 7s squad which they qualify for on residency grounds and based on the premise that they havent represented another country in the last 18 months.
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Imagine what a decent coach could do with that squad. We’re lucky really that PSA is there.
I’d be more concerned if it weren’t for one thing. Saint-Andre is still in charge.
Yep, they could cause serious damage at the World Cup with a top manager in place.
Some very scary backrow options there!
No Gael Fickou? Strange, is he injured?
If france had a coach who picked its best players with that squad they could be seriously dangerous
Half back doesn’t strike me with fear. I wonder what is PSA’s inane dislike of Trinh-Duc?
Kockett/Lopez is a very good 9/10 combo.
Anybody else sick of international teams, including Ireland, being made up of Southern hemisphere players?
Ireland has never been “made up” of Southern Hemisphere players. In our final 6 nations match for example not one import started. In our final November international also it was 15 Irish men that started.
Ok maybe “made up” was the wrong phrase to use. I just think everything should be done to have a home grown player playing for his country. Or maybe cap the number of imported players on teams.
5 “project” players – Uini Atonio, Rory Kockott, Teddy Thomas, Noa Nakaitaci, Scott Spedding.
Thomas not French?
Thomas is French born and bred. Maybe IUR meant Le Roux who he left out of his list.
My mistake.
We’re not far behind on this project player rubbish. Rules need to be changed.
No tran ducke or however you spell is a surprising omission easily desrves a place in that squad imo
I am of the opinion that Philleppe Saint-André should stay as France head coach for oh, say, the next 6-8 years. Or until the World Cup group stages finish would be nice too.
Still baffles me how Kockett never got capped by the BOKs
They’re very weak at 9 and 10. It’s a gross over-simplification but that certainly was the prime difference between Australia, South Africa and Ireland. It’ll prove the difference between France, England and ourselves.
I wonder where will the armitage bros be come World Cup time? They will make a massive difference to either France of England! Surely they won’t be left out????
Delon has been capped by England already phillip. And it’d be foolish of lancaster to ignore steffon any longer.
Both have been capped by England but both could become eligable for france through a backdoor 7s IRB rule if they are picked for France’s Olympic 7s squad which they qualify for on residency grounds and based on the premise that they havent represented another country in the last 18 months.
Of course steffon was capped too. I’m a dope!
Harinordoquy should be there, seriously good form this season
Great squad, mad manager. I wouldn’t bat an eyelid if he picked a prop at full back.
Championship probably between us, France and England, but I suspect England might sneak it.
Should be another fascinating Six Nations- maybe teams will not want to show all their cards pre World Cup?
Can’t wait to see if St Joe can deliver what Deccie couldn’t.
Barring injuries Ireland’s squad should look fairly ominous too.