My prediction : Scotland 15 - 17 France.
I bet Scotland win. The Murrayfield effect ;-))
I think that we have to win this one, simply because we're fielding our starting XV and Scotland isn't. Versus what still is an experimental side, especially when looking at the forward pack or the centres, we have to be able to control the game and get the win.
However, we may have looked like a seemingly-cohesive team last week but one game doesn't make 6-7 years of terrible and structure-less rugby simply go away.
The players might revert to their old habits, you never know. The last fews years have taught us not to be optimistic at to this French team, sadly
do we have a starting XV?? haven't seen one since the 2011 final
Chat is better than Guirado all day any day - Camille stays on his feet and can run like a centre - Guirado goes to ground at the first blade of grass he sees. Camille does everything else better.
Ollivon is a reserve player yet for me he's the best 7
Cros should be a first starter at 6 IMO but is out of group
I would move
Iturria back to the 2nd row. He's not needed in the backrow not with Cros Ollivon Picamoles and Alldritt
Jacques doesn't know his first XV from his elbow. This is what it comes down to. Other nations are rotating their squad with each game to give everyone a run. The staff is talking of 'continuity'-trying not to laugh- and fielding what they think maybe their first team buttheyrenotsosure...Every leading nation knows its best XV at this stage.
My first XV - Frame it because you won't see it
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Baille Chat Slimani
Lambey Iturria
Cros Alldritt Ollivon
Dupont Lopez
Raka Fofana Fickou Penaud
Ramos
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Bench: Bamba Poirot Guirado Vahaamahina Picamoles Bézy N'Tamack (10 or 12) Vakatawa (centre or wing)
COACHES:
Guy Noves, William Servat, Frank Azéma - Daniel Dubroca as mentor to tuck the kids in bed with a story
François Cros is in for his ability in rucks his tackling and proven leadership at Toulouse (alongside Julien Marchand). The other 6 I would have is
Sekou Macalou who should def have been in the 31 group.
Lopez is only good for one half. His game management is good but he's not an 80min test 10. I'd bring on N'Tamack at half time. Great to finally see
Virimi Vakatawa in the group. He gets in just ahead of Guitoune on his ability to cover centre and wing. I would leave at home the likes of Leroux, Lauret etc. Great athletes but no more than good league players.