Published in the Roar
France:
If I could describe the French in two words it would be ‘destructively inconsistent.’
At times they can be beautiful, as shown against the All Blacks at Cardiff in the 2007 World Cup, while at times they can be horrific, like in the pool stages of the 2011 World Cup when they lost meekly to New Zealand and then were embarrassed by Tonga.
This year the French have veered to the latter, which is surprising seeing that 12 months ago they were playing some excellent rugby.
Back then under coach Philippe Saint-Andre they thrashed the Australians, before overcoming the resilient Samoans and Argentineans. Hopes were high they would win the Six Nations in 2013 and complete the Grand Slam.
But those high hopes were brutally dashed. They deservedly lost to Italy in Rome, a very poor way to start the competition.
Things would soon turn sour, as they lost to both the Welsh and English, compounding shock within France.
The only bright points in their Six Nations campaign was a draw against Ireland in Dublin, beating Scotland in Paris to avoid the wooden spoon, and the performance of their world-class centre Wesley Fofana.
In the summer they lost all three games against the All Blacks during their tour of New Zealand. Though France under Saint-Andre have had a wretched 2013 there are a few exciting players that could make their mark if given the chance.
19-year-old centre Gael Fickou is doing well for Toulouse this season and is such a precious talent that if nurtured could be one of the most exciting players France has produced in recent years.
Meanwhile, 25-year-old scrum half Jonathan Pelissie of Montpellier is in sensational form, pushing hard for a call-up. His performance against Clermont last month in an emphatic 43-3 win was outstanding, with the scrum-half scoring 31 points, including two well taken tries.
France have a tough set of fixtures that kicks off against New Zealand on the 9th November in Paris before facing a Tonga side on the 16th whose physicality will make for a gruelling game.
On the 23rd the French play their final game of the year against South Africa, which will no doubt be a tough examination. Saint-Andre will feel confident of a win against Tonga but a victory against South Africa will lift French spirits before the Six Nations begins in early February.
Ireland
Ireland are coming off a disappointing Six Nations, which led to Declan Kidney departing as head coach and being replaced by ex-Leinster coach Joe Schmidt.
Schmidt will be biting into international rugby for the first time and has much to do if he wants Ireland to reach further than the quarter-finals of the Rugby World Cup.
Schmidt needs to blood new players into the team during the end of year Tests and next year’s Six Nations. It’s vital for two reasons.
Firstly, there is under two years left until the World Cup and secondly, Ireland have several players nearing retirement from the international scene.
Legendary centre Brian O’Driscoll is likely to retire at the end of this season, while the immense lock Paul O’Connell next week will be 34. It is likely he will retire from international rugby before the World Cup.
Schmidt’s first game as Ireland coach is against Samoa, who (behind South Africa) have become one of the most improved sides in the last 12 months.
Their next game is against the Australians, who the Irish have done well against of late. Their excellent performance in the 2011 World Cup pool stage at Eden Park was one of their best performances in recent years.
Finally, Schmidt’s team finishes the year with a daunting task against the All Blacks.
No doubt the Kiwis want to finish off the year with a victory, unlike last year when they were surprised by England.
