French backrow
Posted: Mon May 16, 2022 10:18 am
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.
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.
BUT that is icing on the cake. It does not excuse players from abrogating or entirely failing on one of their primary roles.