Galthie’s men to test English nerve

IT is very seldom I tip against England, if ever, as I just never see them losing at rugby. More often than not, their strength in depth and talent should see them through most games, but I must confess I make France the favourites this afternoon in Paris.

I work a lot in France at the moment, love French rugby, and I know some of the big-hitters, not least the man in ultimate control, French Federation boss Bernard Laporte. Head coach of France is the only rugby job I have spoken seriously to anybody about since leaving England in 2004, but it was clear there was a reluctance to appoint a non-French person.

For me, coaching France was potentially the last great rugby challenge — they have the talent and getting France over the line to win a World Cup would be an amazing prospect.

I have been as bemused as anybody at their inability to perform consistently over the past decade. They won a Grand Slam in 2010 and reached a World Cup Final in 2011 but since then have been chronic underperformers.

Their club scene is arguably the most vibrant in the world and throughout that period they’ve had amazing players to call on but time and again they have spluttered or selfdestructed, the last being at the 2019 World Cup when they should have won their quarter-final against Wales by 15 points or more.

I suspect that might change this season and a win over England today would kick-start that process. They have a golden generation of youngsters, a back division to die for and all the hope and optimism that comes with regime change.

Fabien Galthie is in charge now and I wish him well, with Shaun Edwards a key appointment driving the team on at training. Edwards is an out-and-out winner, very demanding, and he will bring so much to this squad and the new generation.

The manager, Raphael Ibanez, knows his stuff and enjoyed a good stint playing in England to broaden his mind. He knows that sometimes the French way is not good enough and has to be refined a little with regard to organisation and discipline.

France will be nervous and keyed up today but not as nervous as England, who I feel are the team under pressure.

This game is huge for Eddie Jones’s England. Win and they can reflect that their World Cup final noshow was probably just a blip. Lose and it will be like going back to square one.