CAN FRANCE PILE ON THE PAIN IN PARIS?

WILL FRANCE BE A THREAT TO ENGLAND IN PARIS A WEEK ON SATURDAY?

It’s been a miserable 12 months for French rugby, on and off the field. Friday’s scrappy victory over Italy brought an end to a losing streak that spanned 343 days and nine Tests. Narrow losses against Ireland and Scotland in the opening rounds were compounded by late-night antics in Edinburgh which caused all sorts of trouble and resulted in head coach Jacques Brunel dropping eight players. France have conceded 30 penalties so far and botched three clear try-scoring opportunities against Italy. WHAT ARE FRANCE’S STRENGTHS? Despite all the upheaval, there have been some standout performances from players. Montpellier flanker Yacouba Camara has been mobile, powerful and an excellent lineout jumper; wrecking-ball midfielder Mathieu Bastareaud celebrated his recall against Italy with a barnstorming display, while Teddy Thomas, who was dropped by Brunel following the Edinburgh debacle, could return to the squad. He lit up the early rounds with scintillating solo tries against Ireland and Scotland. The front-row unit of Jefferson Poirot, Guilhem Guirado and Rabah Slimani are quality operators at scrum time. Young locks Paul Gabrillagues and Arthur Iturria have impressed, too. Brunel’s men have shown glimpses of potential, particularly in attack.

AND THEIR WEAKNESSES?

Indiscipline has plagued France. They were 20-14 up at half-time at Murrayfield but capitulated after the break as Greig Laidlaw kicked six penalties to snatch victory for the Scots. France have been hit hard by injuries and have sorely missed the crocked Clermont trio of Wesley Fofana, Camille Lopez and Morgan Parra. The fly-half position remains a conundrum. Brunel turned to 19-year-old wunderkind Matthieu Jalibert to steer the ship against Ireland, but the Bordeaux No 10 suffered a serious knee injury after just half an hour.