France 6N preview
Les Bleus look to build on the World Cup
By Tony Curtis - Follow me on Twitter: @SkysportsTC. Last Updated: February 1, 2012 1:45pm
Beaten World Cup finalists France will head into this season's tournament as favourites following their exploits in New Zealand.
Against all odds - including infighting and the defeats to the All Blacks and Tonga in the pool - Les Bleus somehow reached the final before they were edged out by the hosts.
France stats
Coach: Philippe Saint-Andre
Captain: Thierry Dusautoir
Key man - Louis Picamoles: Having struggled to make an impact under the previous regime, Picamoles is hoping for a fresh start. The powerhouse No.8 is so difficult to stop once he is in full flow that he can ensure France continue to make the hard yards. Was criticised over a lack of consistency in the past but he has been in fine form this season.
Prediction: A favourable start to the championship means France will look to take early advantage. The arrival of Saint-Andre has already harmonised a squad that reached the World Cup final, while a few tweaks here and there means France will be the ones to watch. Joint 2nd
France, though, have a new man at the helm in former Sale and Toulon boss Philippe Saint-Andre after Marc Lievremont's colourful reign came to an end after the World Cup.
And given they gave the All Blacks a real fright in the final - and a wealth of talent in the squad - Saint-Andre has opted for evolution rather than revolution.
The majority of the World Cup squad remain - with Wesley Fofana and Yoann Maestri the only uncapped members of the initially training squad.
Vincent Debaty, Lionel Beauxis, Clement Poitrenaud and Yannick Nyanga are also poised to play some part during the tournament having been recalled after they were overlooked for the World Cup.
The fixtures for this year's Six Nations have kind to France, with back-to-back games at home against Italy and Ireland to kick-off the competition, while England will also travel to the Stade de France.
In skipper Thierry Dusautoir France have the IRB player of the year - and they will be looking to the Toulouse flanker to lead from the front once again.
