French backrow

[Torquemada 1420]

Continuing themes in the grumpy old b*stard stakes.

For a couple of years and then into the AIs and 6Ns I've been complaining about the national selection in the backrow. There are a lot of elements in this broken picture but the last few rds of Europe have really hammered this home.

1) The modern game is won and lost at the breakdown. Pretty much end of. Despite Ntamack's ineptitude, he becomes an irrelevancy if there is no good ball to be had.
2) France's backrow has become Cros, Jelonch and Aldritt.
3) Much as I hate to quote Jake, he is spot on here (although it really is the bleedin' obvious)
The French number eight is head and shoulders the best exponent of his trade in the world right now and he was absolutely relentless in every aspect of his game, whether it be scoring tries, carrying or offloaded, tackling or jackalling.

With 18 thundering carries for 129 metres, nine defenders beaten and 13 tackles to his name, his versatility is quite astonishing – just as much at home in the depth of the breakdown as he is throwing passes or offloads. Alldritt was the most influential player on the pitch yet again as he topped every one of the open play stats of the game.
Aldritt is the only non negotiable selection for France along with Dupont. Even Fickou could be filled in for.
4) However, I questioned France's ineffectiveness at the breakdown through the 6N. Everyone made it hard work for them. And we know it's not Aldritt. Meantime, Toulouse has the worst turnover stats in the HEC this season. The numbers v Ulster were mind boggling. The ridiculous speed Leinster were able to recycle ball an embarrassment, coupled with the poor execution by Toulouse on their own ball at the ruck was more of the same.
5) The evidence is pretty clear. Cros and Jelonch are not up to the job at high club level, let alone intl level. Cros is a phenomenal work rate tackler but that's not enough. Jelonch is going to earn the title Le Valise.
6) Ollivon is back to full fitness for Toulon and let's not forget he was player of the 6N before his last injury. He's also a fantastic captain and that would unburden Dupont.
7) Woki is really a backrower who has being playing at lock. Ditto Le Roux. Both are 80 min men who can cover both positions and Le Roux in tandem with Willemse was hugely effective before as a lock pairing. Woki is close to indispensable as France's lineout man.
8) Macalou. Easily the most athletic player in France.

Between a broken backrow and a rudderless 10, Toulouse has floundered. Galthie is repeating the exercise for France in selecting the same problem players.

[JM2K6]

Please stop quoting PR/Jake

[Torquemada 1420]

Please stop quoting PR/Jake

Will do. But really I'm quoting myself. I should charge him!

[TheFrog]

And we see where Galthie's selections have taken France...

Several points about France - they do not just rely on the backrow for the ruck battle. Marchand is one of their prominent jackaller. They also chose which ruck they contest, they do not always win turnovers or penalties but they slow the ball down thus allowing the defense to fall in place.

I agree we do not have a jackaller of the standards of guys like Pocock, but who in France is at this standard?

[Uncle fester]

Always thought Torque's knowledge of the game was Jakesque.

The toughest game Ireland had in the breakdown in 6N was against France. Square that circle.

[JM2K6]

And we see where Galthie's selections have taken France...

Several points about France - they do not just rely on the backrow for the ruck battle. Marchand is one of their prominent jackaller. They also chose which ruck they contest, they do not always win turnovers or penalties but they slow the ball down thus allowing the defense to fall in place.

I agree we do not have a jackaller of the standards of guys like Pocock, but who in France is at this standard?

Marchand, Villiere, and Fickou...

[La soule]

Note for self: only back row players should contest the rucks.

[JM2K6]

I shouldn't post that early in the morning. I meant to just add that VIlliere and Fickou are Marchand-level threats (more or less) and a huge part of France's approach to the breakdown.

[TheFrog]

And we see where Galthie's selections have taken France...

Several points about France - they do not just rely on the backrow for the ruck battle. Marchand is one of their prominent jackaller. They also chose which ruck they contest, they do not always win turnovers or penalties but they slow the ball down thus allowing the defense to fall in place.

I agree we do not have a jackaller of the standards of guys like Pocock, but who in France is at this standard?

Marchand, Villiere, and Fickou...

Danty.

[Uncle fester]

Note for self: only back row players should contest the rucks.

[Torquemada 1420]

Note for self: only back row players should contest the rucks.

Asking your backs to come out of field position to cover rucks because Cros and Jelonch don't? Yeah, that's a great plan.

Yes, Marchand, Fickou and Dupont (who you have all missed) are expert turnover players (see what Villiere did to Sarries) AND I've been pointing that out for years so don't need telling: note to the French poster who thinks Villiere is not an intl BUT that is icing on the cake. It does not excuse players from abrogating or entirely failing on one of their primary roles.

[TheFrog]

So in summary, French have a shite backrow and shite fly-half
What else?

[TheFrog]

So in summary, French have a shite backrow and shite fly-half
What else?

Full back(s)

Seriously what is bothering me the most and I don’t care if he’s doing well in 4, is to see Woki as a lock.
He’s a brilliant flanker, maybe one of the best we have, gets a lot of balls in the rucks but because Galtier wants Jelonch ( because Dupont?) I think he’s stock as a lock.
We could have a great backrow line with Woki- Alldritt- Ollivon.

I don't think Galthie plays Woki as a lock because he wants to make way for Jelonch. Galthie wants a pair of locks that includes one tractor to bring power in the scrum and over the gain line and one marathonian who can cover a lot of ground, tackle, support and join rucks when his fast moving backline is in action. He has found no such lock in France who convinced him he was International standard. Then came the idea of using Woki in this role and quite frankly, he has done rather well, even when tested against the best packs.