Expect more debutants throughout the series – that’s the message from France coach Philippe Saint-Andre as he readies his side for the 2015 Rugby World Cup in England.
Saint-Andre named four debutants in his 23-man side to play the All Blacks on Saturday. First five-eighths Camille Lopez and wing Adrien Plante will make their debuts in the starting team, while prop Daniel Kotze and lock Alexandre Flanquart should make their maiden appearances from the new eight-man bench.
Saturday’s match will be the first time France play on Eden Park since the 7-8 defeat to the world champions in the 2011 Rugby World Cup final.
Saint-Andre’s side bears almost no resemblance to the one that was defeated over 18 months ago. He told reporters on Thursday that, with an average age of 32, the French team of 2011 was an aging one.
“We know they wouldn’t be competitive for the next World Cup, so there’s a big revolution,” Saint-Andre told reporters on Thursday.
“We need to change nearly 70-to-80 percent of the French team. It’s a very, very young French team but for them it’s a fantastic experience coming here against the world champions and playing three Tests and a middle match against the Blues.”
Saint-Andre hinted that further debuts for the national side could be handed out for France’s match against the Auckland franchise at North Harbour Stadium on Tuesday.
While hoping for victory, the French coach said selecting a core group with the long-term goal of competing in the 2015 Rugby World Cup was the big hope for the series.
“When the French team have long preparations they can compete against the best in the world.”
However, the time being was about focusing his team on being competitive and adapting to the high-tempo style that comes when playing the All Blacks.
“You know the French team – you never know what you expect,” Saint-Andre quipped.
“We know that we’re not favourites, we’re underdogs. We know that it’ll be tough and a very quick game but the main thing is to compete with the speed and the tempo of the game. It’s the biggest challenge for our team.”
Article source: http://www.express.co.uk/sport/rugbyunion/404945/Brown-fully-focused-on-England
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