A lightened XV of France in New Zealand, deprived of its best players because of an overloaded season completed only last Saturday at the Stade de France by the victory of Toulouse on Bordeaux-Bègles (39-33 AP) …
The story does not really like the other side of the planet where the Blues challenge the All Blacks, Saturday in Dunedin, the first of the three tests (the 2nd on July 12 in Wellington, and the 3rd on 19 in Hamilton). The former international scrum -melee Justin Marshall (81 selections) castigated the policy of the French federation of rugby and Fabien Galthié, the coach.
“To be honest, I am really disappointed,” launched the former 51 -year -old player in The Breakdown, the flagship program dedicated to rugby in New Zealand. The team that France sends is clearly undersized and with very little experience. The average age is 25 years and the average number of selections is 9.3 and almost half of the workforce has no selection. It is a development team, with a few executives around. »»
“Our supporters deserve to see the best players in the world”
“It’s total bullshit, the way they treat this tour,” he continued. It looks like the French always find an excuse so as not to bring their best elements. They lack respect at the international window. Our supporters deserve to see the best players in the world coming to our country to face the All Blacks. In November, we send our best elements to Europe to fill the stadiums and offer fans the best possible experience. There they don’t. »»
Its conclusion is sharp, in the form of a warning. “If they continue like that – which happens quite often – well, no longer invite them,” said Justin Marshall. We will play against another nation. Of course, it will still be a great series, they will be competitive and they have depth. But the reality is that they left 70 % of their best players in France, and for me, it is neither decent nor respectful of the game. ”
France’s squad Selection: A Statistical Overview
Justin Marshall’s criticism highlights a important disparity in the French team’s composition. To further illustrate this point, let’s delve into the key statistics that underscore the situation. We’ll compare the current touring squad with what could be considered a “full-strength” French team, allowing for a clearer understanding of the impact of player absences.
| metric | Touring Squad | Potential “Full-Strength” Squad (Estimated) | Difference | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average Age | 25 years | 28 years (Estimated) | -3 years | Reflects a younger, less experienced team. |
| Average Test Caps | 9.3 | 40+ (Estimated) | -30+ caps | Indicates a significant lack of international experience. Marshall’s comment about almost half the workforce having no selection is reflected here. |
| Key Absences (Examples) | N/A | Key Top 14 players | All key players | Due to the intense schedule,many top players are unavailable. [[2]] |
| Perceived Strength | Developmental | Elite/World-Class | Significant downgrade | The touring squad is a ‘development team’ according to Justin Marshall. |
As the table demonstrates, the statistics paint a clear picture. The French team traveling to New zealand is, by necessity, a developmental side. This decision, while perhaps strategically sound from a player welfare perspective, does place them at a disadvantage against one of the world’s premier rugby nations.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Why are key French players not touring New Zealand?
The absence of top French players is primarily due to the demanding season,which concluded with the Top 14 final,and the need for player recovery. This allows these players to recuperate and recover.
What is the impact of this squad selection on the series?
The significantly younger and less experienced squad places France at a disadvantage against the All Blacks. It creates a significant disparity in playing experience, with a development team facing an established powerhouse.
What is Justin Marshall’s main criticism?
Marshall criticizes the French rugby federation’s approach,citing a lack of respect for the international window and a perceived unwillingness to field the best possible team for the tour. He also calls out the lack of experience.
Where can I find the match schedule and TV coverage?
You can find the dates,times,and channels for the matches on rugbyrama [[2]].
What is the significance of the Top 14 final in this context?
The Top 14 final, which toulouse won (39-33 AP), concluded the French club season.While a joyful event, it further compressed the schedule and impacted the availability of top players for the tour, adding additional pressure to available players [[3]].
