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Six Nations: Philippe Saint-Andre expects France to be contenders

France captain Thierry Dusautoir and head coach Philippe Saint-Andre
Image: France captain Thierry Dusautoir and head coach Philippe Saint-Andre

France coach Philippe Saint-Andre reckons his team are one of four sides capable of lifting the Six Nations trophy this year.

Les Bleus have not won the tournament since 2010 and have finished fourth or lower in each of the past three competitions, but Saint-Andre believes his forwards can provide the platform for some welcome success.

"I think our front five is as strong as England and Ireland," he said. "But, as we get closer to the World Cup, it looks like all the countries get closer.

"It is very difficult to say who will win the Six Nations. Four countries can win the tournament. We need to be more precise with our set-piece.

"Last year we missed a penalty against Ireland and that was the difference between finishing first and fourth. It shows how tight things are at the top level."

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Saint-Andre, whose side start their campaign against Scotland at the Stade de France on February 7, is set to adopt an attacking approach in the tournament.

He said: "There is still some French flair in this squad. We scored a lot of tries in November. Our target is to still play an open game. The young players like to have the ball in their hands.

"We feel also if we want to win the World Cup, it's impossible just to kick the ball and just to be defensive."

Saint-Andre has also backed Clermont fly-half Camille Lopez to play a key role for France.

"Cammy is a fantastic footballer. We picked him in New Zealand two years ago but afterwards he injured his cruciate knee ligament and was out for six months," he said.

"He's back, he's doing a fantastic job for Clermont Ferrand and he did a good job for us in November. We believe he can carry us forward in the Six Nations."

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