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The 33 Man Squad for France
Image: Twitter/ @FranceRugby

France’s Rugby World Cup Guide: Key players, dark horses and gold medal ambitions

The ultimate guide to Frances’ Rugby World Cup campaign.

Jade Smith
by Jade Smith
24-08-2023 15:21
in Rugby World Cup 2023
France

The 33 Man Squad for France
Image: Twitter/ @FranceRugby

The RWC hosts have their best opportunity ever to win the Webb Ellis Cup. Here’s everything you could want to know about the Les Bleus World Cup campaign.

Captain: Antoine Dupont | Head Coach: Fabien Galthié | Rankings: 4 | RWC Pool: A

FRENCH RUGBY’S POOL FIXTURES

  • New Zealand: Friday, 8 September
  • Uruguay: Thursday, 14 September
  • Namibia: Thursday, 21 September
  • Italy: Friday, 6 October

ALSO READ: Waiting game nearly over for Springboks’ nine standby players?

WORLD CUP PREVIOUS RESULTS

France are the best team to have never won a World Cup.

  • 1987: RUNNERS UP
  • 1991: QUARTERS
  • 1995: THIRD
  • 1999: RUNNERS UP
  • 2003: FOURTH
  • 2007: FOURTH
  • 2011: RUNNERS UP
  • 2015: QUARTERS
  • 2019: QUARTERS

FRENCH WORLD CUP SQUAD

Props: Cyril Baille(44), Jean-Baptiste Gros(24), Reda Wardi(8), Uini Atonio(52), Dorian Aldegheri(10), Sipili Falatea(13)

Hookers: Julien Marchand(30), Peato Mauvaka(23), Pierre Bourgarit(10).

Second Row: Thibaud Flament(18), Paul Willemse(28), Romain Taofifenua(41), Cameron Woki(21).

Back Row: Gregory Alldritt(41), Paul Boudehent(2), Francois Cros(21), Sekou Macalou(18), Charles Ollivon(34), Anthony Jelonch(26).

Scrumhalves: Antoine Dupont (48), Maxime Lucu(15), Baptiste Couilloud(12).

Flyhalves: Matthieu Jalibert(25), Antoine Hastoy(2).

Centres: Gael Fickou(80), Jonathan Danty(22), Arthur Vincent(16), Yoram Moefana(18).

Outside Backs: Damian Penaud(43), Gabin Villiere(12), Louis Bielle-Biarrey(3), Thomas Ramos(26), Melvyn Jaminet(14).

Total Caps: 800

ALSO READ: Why is Handre Pollard not playing for the Springboks?

STAR PLAYERS

  • Antoine Dupont is the closest thing we have to a rugby superhero, with an amazing talent of kicking off both feet and his superhuman ability in all things rugby.
  • Gregory Alldritt’s presence in the forward pack brings a relentless work ethic and a powerful driving force in both attack and defence.
  • Expect Damian Penaud to weave his magic this campaign.

DARK HORSES

Sekou Macalou is the French freak of nature super sub, standing at 193cm he is normally a flanker, however his blistering pace and ability in the air makes him a wing option which allows for France to have a 6-2 split on the bench.

Matthieu Jalibert will be looking to make Romain Ntamack’s 10 jersey his own as he competes against fellow flyhalf Antoine Hastoy, expect Jalibert to step up and make an impact behind a dominant forward pack and the world’s best player: Dupont.

STRENGTHS

France are one of the most balanced teams in World Rugby, boasting a forward pack that can stand toe-to-toe with the finest and a backline that effortlessly glides past opponents.

In contrast to the French teams of the past, which frequently displayed flashes of dominance one week only to falter against lower-tier teams the next. This French side is more consistent and consistently great.

ALSO READ: Where is John Smit? Let’s give him his flowers

WEAKNESSES

If an opposing team can successfully nullify their formidable forward pack, it could potentially nullify the chances for their electrifying backs, ultimately hampering their attack.


Les Bleus have finished runners up 3 times, can they go one step further and win gold at home? Let us know in the comments below.

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