England now have two genuine world-class openside flankers
Jon Newcombe talks to Serge Betsen, the great former French flanker about Sunday
SERGE BETSEN makes the short journey to Twickenham today confident France can put last week’s harrowing defeat to Wales behind them and take their frustration out on England.
The London-based Les Bleus legend argues that individually, from 1-15, there isn’t much between the teams on paper and that self-belief – and a carboncopy of the first half in Paris, for the entire 80 minutes – will carry them a long way.
“People are thrilled to support France when they play like that, with a lot of confidence and with a lot of passion and flair whereas in the summer tour to New Zealand and in November, it was piece-by-piece rugby,” he says. “Hopefully that first half against Wales made them realise they have the capability to do well at this level and they can replicate that again on Sunday.
“It will be difficult, definitely, as playing at Twickenham is always tough but as an athlete you need to say yourself, it is only a game of rugby, it is only 15 v 15.
“When you look at the names on the England teamsheet, there isn’t that much difference. But when you look at it collectively, there is a massive difference. We saw how England got the game plan just right against Ireland and how we struggled. We have to make sure, altogether, as one, we make it happen. I believe we can turn the frustration of last week into a positive.”
Betsen was delighted to see France play with such attacking freedom against Wales in building up a 16-0 interval lead, only for the visitors to pull off the greatest comeback in Championship history and win 24-19.
France have now won only twice in Jacques Brunel’s 12 matches in charge – against Italy and Argentina – and the beleaguered head coach copped a load of criticism for the way the latter stages of the Wales capitulation were handled.
But Betsen, 44, argues that the blame for under-achievement lies with the system, not individual players and coaches.
“Listen, I like Jacques Brunel as a person, he is a great character. It is difficult. Before him, it was difficult for Guy Noves, who was an amazing coach with a great pedigree. He found it difficult to get the French team to play the way they should play, like they did in the first half against Wales.
“I don’t think it’s down to the coach or any one player, I wouldn’t say Huget is the problem or any other player who makes a mistake, it is the overall system.
“I believe there is something missing when it comes to performing at the highest level. We need to reflect on how we can help players and the staff and everyone around the team, to be the best they can be. It is not just winning and losing one game, it is about a long-term project.”
As one of the all-time back row greats, Betsen knows a good flanker when he sees one, and in Tom Curry and the injured Sam Underhill, the 2004 World Rugby Player of the Year nominee believes England have two gems.
“They are two amazing backrows,” he says. “Their tackling capability, which was one of my favourite aspects of the game, and their ability to run with the ball and support the backs is amazing. They look like they have got it all, and hopefully for England they will be the future. I really enjoying watching them play.”