Nz v France

[Strathen]

As Gil alluded to the game on the weekend on another thread, I thought I'd create one for the game.

A few talking points around the French selection, particularly Morgan Parra at Number 10, a position he hasn't played since he was in nappies. Admittedly the French 1st 5 looked pretty average to crap in the first game, so maybe it's a massive gamble hoping things will improve?

Can't rule out the French, even the Kiwi's that can't read or write know not to take the French lightly at a RWC. They may not be 6N Champions, but they can still beat any team in the world on their day. Let's hope it's not their day this weekend. 

[patto]

Only a fool would rule out the French and only an idiot would put money on them to win.

[Reformed]

Only a fool would rule out the French and only an idiot would put money on them to win.

Patto... I honestly couldn't have put that better even if I tried... 

[Reformed]

Admittedly the French 1st 5 looked pretty average to crap in the first game, so maybe it's a massive gamble hoping things will improve?

Sound logic suggests the French have some problems up front and the cohesion between backs lack a bit of... 'impetus'...?... They looked very ordinary against Canada for 60 minutes... only in the last 20 did you get a glimpse of their true potential...

More sound logic dictates that you don't 'test now combinations or a new gameplan' against the AB's... Having said that... France are far from a typical rugby team...

My guess is that the AB's will take this with a margin of 15+ points... but there is that chance that they can loose. On a brighter note... It is better for the AB's to loose a game now (if they are to loose one) than in the knock out stages... 

[Gil]

  like patto's comment. spot on mate !
In fact even in france , we don't know where lievremont wants to go...skrela injured ( fly half second choice) he called back doussain , a young promising player who use to play scrum half for toulouse !  ...You can't select a player in a position he is not used to play for age , or so rarely in a world cup...afterall, I am now maybe an old fart and lievremont is a visionnaire.
answering to your question starth:
servat is injured and for from his best level ..swazerski is actually the better choice. not harinordoquy on the pitch...did you see his game against Japan? and his official answer to coach's criticism ? ..he was unimpressed ...officiously, it means something else. Trinh Duc lievremont backed for years looked "out of order" first 2 games.
seems that selection looks like an electro-shock testing for a group who is mentally very weak at the moment.

[patto]

Gil, my fear is that the wallabies are the new france.

[Gil]

I don't think it's about the same .... It's more a lack of humility ...a traditional mistake from talented young team...there are different ways to learn.

[Gil]

I am almost sure that group will win a world cup ...2015 more likely.

[Mary]

Only a fool would rule out the French and only an idiot would put money on them to win.

Perfectly put!!!     

[ROAMER]

No muliaina and cowan isn't even listed

I am worried we are going in so hyped in this game that we will lose our structure.. France would love that

[Strathen]

Starting XV:

1. Tony Woodcock (78 test caps)
2. Keven Mealamu (87)
3. Owen Franks (26)
4. Brad Thorn (54)
5. Sam Whitelock (20)
6. Jerome Kaino (43)
7. Richie McCaw - captain (99)
8. Adam Thomson (23)
9. Piri Weepu (51)
10. Daniel Carter (84)
11. Richard Kahui (14)
12. Ma'a Nonu (62)
13. Conrad Smith (50)
14. Cory Jane (28)
15. Israel Dagg (8)

Reserves:

16. Andrew Hore (57)
17. Ben Franks (12)
18. Ali Williams (68)
19. Anthony Boric (22)
20. Andy Ellis (22)
21. Colin Slade (7)
22. Sonny Bill Williams (9)

[Strathen]

Only a fool would rule out the French and only an idiot would put money on them to win.

Spot on big man! 

[Reformed]

Anybody seen the French line up yet?

[Old lock]

This is the only listing I could find and it's from the Froggie's web site. http://www.ffr.fr/index.php/ffr/historique/2011/xv_france__11

FRANCE : Traille - Clerc, Rougerie, Mermoz, M?dard - (o) Parra, (m) Yachvili - Bonnaire, Picamoles, Dusautoir - Pap?, Nallet - Ducalcon, Szarzewski, Poux

Rempla?ants : Servat, Barcella, Pierre, Harinordoquy, Trinh-Duc, Estabanez, Heymans

NOUVELLE ZELANDE : Dagg - Jane, Smith, Nonu, Kahui - (o) Carter, (m) Weepu - McCaw (cap), Thompson, Kaino - Whitelock, Thorn - O.Franks, Mealamu, Woodcook.

Rempla?ants : Hore, D. Franks, A. Williams, Boric, Ellis, Slade, S.B Williams

[Penny]

There was a bit of people upset that they had supposedly named a "b" team, and they had paid lots of money to see the game, etc.  But then other poeple reckon that they french backs could pick a number out of a hat as they go on the field. 

To me though the atmosphere is going to be the same so big deal.

[patto]

Penny,

If you count the test caps in the french team it doesn't look like a "B" side to me.
Remember, they're french. They don't know their best side so how can we.

[Penny]

Well I don't really care if we beat their B side or their A side. 

[ROAMER]

Doesn't matter wether we win or lose.. Froggies will still maintain it was their b side :)

[patto]

And since the AB's are playing their "A" side it will be a choke if you lose.
Calm down fido it's only a .......potential choke

[Gil]

Penny,

If you count the test caps in the french team it doesn't look like a "B" side to me.
Remember, they're french. They don't know their best side so how can we.

patto understand very well french psych? .....