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After the crazy end to the Autumn Nations Cup, European action returns this weekend
Considering the lack of TV coverage and everything that has been going on, it’s not been easy to keep track of the Top 14
So here’s a brief thread looking at how the French teams are shaping up:
Considering the lack of TV coverage and everything that has been going on, it’s not been easy to keep track of the Top 14
So here’s a brief thread looking at how the French teams are shaping up:
Bordeaux-Bègles
Playing: Saints and Dragons
The best team in France last year, but they’ve lost Radradra and have been up and down. Jalibert's return will be crucial although Botica’s a handy back-up.
Lots of young talent, Ben Lam's finding his feet and the Pumas to come back.
Playing: Saints and Dragons
The best team in France last year, but they’ve lost Radradra and have been up and down. Jalibert's return will be crucial although Botica’s a handy back-up.
Lots of young talent, Ben Lam's finding his feet and the Pumas to come back.
Toulouse
Playing: Ulster and Exeter
Just about survived the international period without !0+ players. When everyone is available, they have the most potential, but that has been rare.
With Dupont, Ntamack etc, they can be great, but injuries at lock and a very tough schedule.
Playing: Ulster and Exeter
Just about survived the international period without !0+ players. When everyone is available, they have the most potential, but that has been rare.
With Dupont, Ntamack etc, they can be great, but injuries at lock and a very tough schedule.
Clermont
Playing: Bristol and Munster
In a rebuild season, but had found some form before a home defeat to Montpellier where their set-piece fell apart which is a worry.
In Sébastien Bézy they might have the best French scrum-half not named Dupont and Yato and Penaud are back.
Playing: Bristol and Munster
In a rebuild season, but had found some form before a home defeat to Montpellier where their set-piece fell apart which is a worry.
In Sébastien Bézy they might have the best French scrum-half not named Dupont and Yato and Penaud are back.
Toulon
Playing: Sale and Scarlets
A team on the up, but potentially still a year away from really challenging in Europe. Lots of good youngsters in the backline, and experience of Parisse, Etzebeth and Ollivon up front.
An ok schedule so may sneak a quarter-final.
Playing: Sale and Scarlets
A team on the up, but potentially still a year away from really challenging in Europe. Lots of good youngsters in the backline, and experience of Parisse, Etzebeth and Ollivon up front.
An ok schedule so may sneak a quarter-final.
Montpellier
Playing: Leinster and Wasps
Have had a stop-start season due to Covid, and already had one coaching change. They have a big old pack, but with Pollard injured are starting 18yo Louis Foursans at fly-half.
In another year maybe, but their schedule is too tough.
Playing: Leinster and Wasps
Have had a stop-start season due to Covid, and already had one coaching change. They have a big old pack, but with Pollard injured are starting 18yo Louis Foursans at fly-half.
In another year maybe, but their schedule is too tough.
La Rochelle
Playing: Edinburgh and Bath
The form team in France, despite a narrow loss at Lyon last week. Less reliant on Victor Vito than they used to be, and with a rejuvenated Plisson at ten and Brice Dulin.
With O’Gara and Gibbes, they’ll be keen to fire in Europe.
Playing: Edinburgh and Bath
The form team in France, despite a narrow loss at Lyon last week. Less reliant on Victor Vito than they used to be, and with a rejuvenated Plisson at ten and Brice Dulin.
With O’Gara and Gibbes, they’ll be keen to fire in Europe.
Lyon
Playing: Gloucester and Glasgow
Have a terrible European record but are building a very strong squad. Bastareaud is thriving at No.8, Cretin, Géraci and Bamba are all 23 or under and impressing at Test level.
Add Ngatai and Tuisova and they could surprise people.
Playing: Gloucester and Glasgow
Have a terrible European record but are building a very strong squad. Bastareaud is thriving at No.8, Cretin, Géraci and Bamba are all 23 or under and impressing at Test level.
Add Ngatai and Tuisova and they could surprise people.
Racing 92
Playing: Connacht and Harlequins
Along with Toulouse, the other genuine French title challengers. Finn Russell's absence hurts, but Antoine Gibert has been playing well. Great depth in the backs and the front row.
Anything less than a QF would be a disappointment.
Playing: Connacht and Harlequins
Along with Toulouse, the other genuine French title challengers. Finn Russell's absence hurts, but Antoine Gibert has been playing well. Great depth in the backs and the front row.
Anything less than a QF would be a disappointment.
