Coach Fabien Galthie’s bold selections are paying off for France, writes MARK KEOHANE.
Writing for TimesLIVE, Keohane says he ranks Les Bleus “second only to the world champion Springboks” after their ruthless dismantling of Ireland in Paris and bold selection policy that prioritises form over sentiment.
France were “even more impressive in performance than the 36-14 win against Ireland”, with the opening 50 minutes played at a tempo Ireland simply could not live with. There has been “no caution of a player being picked to gain Test experience” and no sentiment clouding selection. Galthie is picking to win now.
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The backline average barely 21. Fabien Brau-Boirie is 20. Emilien Gailleton 22. Theo Attissogbe 21. Louis Bielle-Biarrey 22 and already 22 tries in 22 Tests. It is fearless and it is decisive.
“Test rugby is the finishing school and not a learning one,” Keohane writes, arguing that other nations can learn from France in trusting form over reputation.
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That matters for the Springboks, who are chasing history in 2027 and must balance loyalty with renewal. Erasmus went youthful late last season. Galthie is doing it now.
Keohane says France in Paris on 13 November will be “a big one” for the world champions.
Photo: David Rogers/Getty Images
