NOVES IS TASKED WITH BRINGING THE JOIE DE VIVRE BACK TO

WEAKNESSES: The only thing consistent about France is their inconsistencies. On paper they should be perennial challengers, but the cockerel has had very little to crow about in recent times. A failure to find a composed No. 10 to steer the KEY INJURIES: major disappointment after the early promise. ORDER OF GAMES: England (Twickenham), Scotland (Paris), Ireland (Dublin), Italy (Rome), Wales (Paris). WHAT THE COACH SAYS: “We evolved during the (2016) Six Nations but also in the autumn against Australia and New Zealand. We need to be killers and what I mean by killers, I want my players to finish the actions they’ve

started.” WHAT MOOD ARE THE FANS IN: This has to come with a trademark Gallic shrug of the shoulders. France have threatened to emerge as a major global force again, but there have been too many false dawns of late. DID YOU KNOW: Mathieu Bastareaud is a cousin of former French international footballer William Gallas, who had spells with Chelsea, Arsenal and Spurs. BOOKIES PREDICTION: Fourth behind England, Ireland and Wales. You can get Les Bleus as long as 14-1 as outright winners and 40-1 for the Grand Slam. WHAT WE SAY: Upset England at Twickenham in round one and who knows what could happen, but at the moment there is little sign of the sleeping giant from across the Channel stirring. Tough away trips suggest another campaign among the alsorans. ROB LLOYD