France

The French team were really hitting their straps until they suffered the most humiliating defeat to Australia at the end of 2010. Serious questions were raised over the commitment of key players in the French side after that match. However, not much has changed for France and the Wallabies tend to perform well against France, and the French may have reaped the whirlwind of a devastating loss for the Wallabies against England at Twickenham. France has several world class players among their regular squad, have turned a few years of development into good results on the paddock, and have players that have been schooled in the French, English, Irish and Scottish club rugby competitions which are very strong and can seriously be argued as being the best club rugby competition in the world. France has completed a grand slam win in the 6 nations tournament of 2010 and are, at this point, the strongest Northern Hemisphere side going, with the game against England in 2011 yet to be played. While they did not romp to victory in every one of those games they did show the necessary mettle to win them all and win them without ever looking like they were in danger of losing. After a disappointing tournament in 2007, aside from eliminating the All Blacks once again, France needed to develop from their early exit and seem to have constructed a team around key players. France have clearly targeted the 2011 Rugby World Cup as their best chance to win their first ever tournament at this level.

2011 Rugby Union World Cup - France

In midfield the French side is very strong, with one of the world's most exciting players making gains and improving each time he takes the field. After an early career mistake in New Zealand for a lack of off field discipline sparking a diplomatic incident, Mathieu Bastareud may not have the best memories of New Zealand, but he is such a star that we are sure that he can put this behind him and move on when the tournament comes around. Of course, he has not been playing for France of late, and his availability will be required for France to shine at the 2011 Rugby Union World Cup. He will really want to win a rugby world cup, and this may be his best chance for some time. His form is good and he will be a handful for any international side that he plays against. At number 10 the French also have safe hands in Francois Trinh-Duc, a quality player that is safe under pressure, and also possess the French flair for the game. A formidable combination when serviced by a quality half back, which France has in numbers.

France’s Captain – Rugby Union World Cup

French Captain Thierry Dusautoir is an extremely good captain that leads from the front. He plays far above his weight, and can rally his troops around him in the forwards. His discipline is good and the team performs very well with his steady hand at the helm guiding them to victory, aside from the speed bump that was the thrashing they took from Australia. He knows how to perform at this level and get the best from his players. Crucially he can also perform well playing away from home, and the players will follow him and lift their own games as a result. This is incredibly important when playing in the Rugby Union World Cup 2011. A strong captain, who clearly combines well with the players and the coaching staff, is an absolute necessity.

France and the All Blacks – Rugby Union World Cup 2011

The French may not appreciate having drawn the All Blacks in pool A as it is much less likely that the All Blacks will be caught off guard as may have been the case with famous wins in the past. In addition the French have enjoyed success against the All Blacks at home in 2009, and suffered the consequences of that in the last game between these two sides in Paris. However, if there is a loss at the pool stage, France will find themselves on the less competitive side of the table with Australia being the team that they are most likely to face. France do not mind playing the All Blacks, at the pool stage, or later in the tournament. If this game happens, as a final this will be a great game. We can't wait and suggest that everyone following the Rugby World Cup in New Zealand make sure that they buy tickets online to this game.

France at the 2011 Rugby Union World Cup

France were, of course, the team that the All Blacks beat to secure their only win at the Rugby World Cup to date in 1987, and this took place at Eden Park, again set to be the scene of the World Cup Final in 2011. It is possible that there may be a repeat of this game in 2011 and that would be a good match up, but there are many other teams also in contention. Anyone planning to watch this game should know that the French way of playing rugby is very exciting, and they have scored some of the most memorable tries in the history of Rugby Union. Many of these have been scored at World Cups and when the French seem resigned to losing is often when they are at their most dangerous. No opponent can ever rest easy when playing against France as they are likely to run the ball behind their own goal line and score a length of the field try to win the game. Anyone remember Australia being knocked out by France in the 1987 world cup? Truly one of the best games of rugby ever played. Good luck to the French, but they wont need it. They are a very strong side and if they get their heads right, no one will be able to beat them on their day. Watch out for this side, they will be in the finals of the 2011 Rugby Union World Cup.