Rugby Australia Chief Calls France 'most Dangerous Side In Europe'
Faizan Hashmi Published June 21, 2021 | 09:20 AM
Sydney, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 21st Jun, 2021 ) :France are the most dangerous side in Europe, with almost as much depth in their squad as the All Blacks, Australia's rugby director warned Monday ahead of their Test series next month.
Dave Rennie's Wallabies face a depleted Les Bleus in Sydney on July 7 before they move to Melbourne and Brisbane on July 13 and 17.
Given the need to quarantine for 14 days on arrival in Australia, an already injury-hit France have left out players from Toulouse and La Rochelle, who will contest the Top 14 final next weekend.
Instead the emphasis in the 42-man squad named Sunday is on youth with Damian Penaud, Teddy Thomas and Romain Taofifenua the only players with more than 20 caps.
In contrast the Wallabies have plenty of experience, led by Michael Hooper (105 Tests) and James Slipper (100), while a host of others have played more than 50 times.
But Rugby Australia director of rugby Scott Johnson said France still had a strong squad and the absence of star Names like Antoine Dupont and Romain Ntamack would not worry coach Fabien Galthie.
"The French have so much depth. They have the most depth -- outside of New Zealand -- in world rugby," he told the Sydney Morning Herald, pointing to France winning the last two under-20 world titles.
"They've always had talent but now they have a really gifted group of kids coming through.
"They came through that under-20s system. They won two (World Cups) on the bounce and the rule of thumb is if you have two good under-20s teams on the bounce, you will have a good Test team in a few years time.
"They have a young, talented group of players that play instinctively and the style that people would perceive as traditionally French. They're the most dangerous side in Europe. Without doubt." The French squad boasts a strong representation from the teams that won those world titles in 2018 and 2019, including Stade Francais second rower Pierre-Henri Azagoh, his counterpart from Racing 92, Ibrahim Diallo, and Castres' Florent Vanverberghe.
In total, Galthie has 23 uncapped players including Perpignan fullback Melvyn Jaminet, who has never played above Pro D2, and Pau scrum-half Clovis Le Bail.
The Wallabies won the last meeting between the two sides in November 2016, but they have not played a Test since back-to-back draws against Argentina late last year, which capped an erratic season with just one win from six.
France have played five times this year already, winning three.
Related Topics
Recent Stories
Azad Jammu Kashmir Prime Minister Chaudhry Anwar ul Haq condoles over the demise ..
Senior Army Commanders visit families of customs' martyrs to condole
Poland-Pakistan corporation established on solid foundations: Polish envoy
Chairman Senate passes ruling to constitute Special Committee of Upper House
Stocks fall as tech shares sink, US economy slows
Honda announces US$11 bn EV battery and vehicle plant in Canada
All AJK Inter-varsity Speech Competition urges UNO to ensure early grant of righ ..
AJK CEC calls on President Sultan Chaudhry
Assistant Secretary General of UNDP, Director of Regional Bureau for Asia & Paci ..
Portugal marks 50 years of democracy with far right on the rise
IHC suspends notification regarding cut in prices of 'naan & roti'
More Stories From Miscellaneous
-
PDMA predicts gusty wind, rain with thunder, hails
2 days ago -
Iranian president Raisi given guard of honour at PM House
3 days ago -
Intellectuals, writers accolades Naseer Mirza on his literary contribution
4 days ago -
Bahawalpur Adabi Sangat hosts memorable mushaira
4 days ago -
Cattle farming vital to alleviate poverty in rural areas
4 days ago -
Pakistan: A land of tourism, archeological wonders
5 days ago
-
Transforming education sector: from job hunters to job creators
7 days ago -
Amjad Bobby remembered on 19th death anniversary for timeless contributions to music
10 days ago -
Legendary actor Nadeem’s 26 films released on Eid-ul-Fitr days in 50 years
11 days ago -
Besant Hall Cultural Centre to celebrate evening with Sanam Marvi on 26 April
11 days ago -
Radio Bahawalpur presents program “Eidi Shidi”
14 days ago -
Radio Bahawalpur to broadcast Eid programs
17 days ago