Betsen backing Les Bleus for Grand Slam glory
Betsen believes France can go unbeaten in this year’s tournament.
Les Bleus have not lifted the Six Nations since their Grand Slam triumph back in 2010 but their exciting young generation of stars have made them the bookies favourites going into this year’s tournament.
Former flanker Betsen, 47, said: “I’m looking forward to watching this new French team, I believe we are in good shape to win the tournament.
“It will be a very challenging tournament because we know Scotland and Ireland are in very good shape but those two teams we get to play at home, so we’ve got a huge home advantage when facing them which could be crucial.”
Fabien Galthie’s side were dealt a blow when captain Charles Ollivon was ruled out of the tourSERGE nament through injury, but Betsen believes France are in safe hands with Antoine Dupont skippering the side.
World Player of the Year Dupont captained France to a 40-25 victory over the All Blacks in November, in a performance that showed the team’s immense potential.
“It’s a shame for Ollivon that he will miss the tournament, but I think we’ll be okay with Dupont as captain,” Betsen said, at the Legends of Rugby dinner on Wednesday.
“I thought Dupont took over the captaincy brilliantly during the Autumn Internationals and I think he will continue to thrive in this role and be successful.”
Fearsome tackler Betsen won 63 caps and the former Wasps star knows what it takes to win a Grand Slam after their faultless campaign in 2002. He also played a key role in their 2004 Slam.
He said: “I hope there will be a Grand Slam, it will be a very challenging Six Nations for sure but I think it can be done. I’m going to be celebrating the 20th anniversary of France’s 2002 Grand Slam, so hopefully that will be a showcase to inspire this current French team.”
Despite England’s successful autumn campaign that brought victories against world champions South Africa and a muchimproved Australia, Betsen does not see Eddie Jones’ side as title contenders.
He said: “England are facing a lot of challenges with their injuries. It’ll be interesting to see how they recover from that and how they cope with the losses of very important players.
“For me the loss of Owen Farrell and some of their other key players will be detrimental to their chances and I don’t see them competing at the top.”