Preview: France v Namibia
Sat, 15 Sep 2007 14:59
France will emerge from hiding on Sunday in an attempt to kick-start their World Cup campaign with a big win over Namibia at Stade Municipal in Toulouse. With big things expected - nay, demanded - of the hosts, Les Bleus hit the ground flat on their faces, suffering an unexpected 17-12 defeat to the Pumas in the tournament's spectacular curtain-raiser. Argentina captain Agustín Pichot said he knew an upset was on the cards after he spotted many of the French players, some of them his close friends, "looking petrified" immediately before the game. If the French were petrified then, they are now surely absolutely beside themselves with fear and loathing. The loss to Argentina has sent the hosts tittering towards the brink of a pool that is now less about mere death and more about cold-blooded murder. With next Friday's must-win encounter with Ireland looming over French necks like a well-oiled and whetted guillotine, France coach Bernard Laporte has the unenvious task of sparking both confidence and a little joie de vivre within his troops. If that wasn't hard enough, he has only 80 minutes of rugby to right the ship, and the rehabilitation will take place within full view of a baying public. Despite the temptation to throw his first-choice team back into the mincer, Laporte has made 12 chances to the XV that started against the Pumas. Only prop Pieter de Villiers, centre Damien Traille and Cédric Heymans survive the cull with the latter switching back to his regular post of wing after an under-par performance at fullback. Toulouse team-mate Clément Poitrenaud returns at fullback. Laporte insists that the changes don't represent a punishment, saying he just wants to keep his veterans fresh for that date with Ireland in Paris. Some onlookers in these parts have questioned what amounts to a vote of confidence for the outfit that choked against Argentina. Laporte has denied the accusation, making it clear that he has demanded a new attitude from all his players. "It is vital we regain that feeling which we had in the warm-up matches [with wins over England (twice) and Wales]," Laporte said. "It is imperative we rediscover our enthusiasm. Were we affected by the defeat? I would be lying if I said otherwise. "There are four group matches, we have lost one. We have to win the three others." Only a big win over Namibia, who gave Ireland a good run for their money last Sunday, will restore French confidence, and Julien Bonnaire has acknowledged the need to "cut loose" against the Africans. Indeed, the number eight says Les Bleus are determined to take out the frustration of their bitter start to the World Cup on the men from south-west Africa. "It was a bad situation against Argentina. We have to completely turn the page" said the Bourgoin star. "We don't have time to relax and we have prepared seriously for Namibia. We want to enjoy ourselves and finally cut loose. "We were honest with each other and everyone has their own responsibilities. We can only look at ourselves. "There are always highs and lows and we have to know how to bounce back. We are big boys and we have three matches in which to qualify." Frédéric Michalak will be key to France's hopes of securing a bonus point against Namibia with the Toulouse fly-half, playing on familiar territory, benefiting from an injury to David Skréla. Skréla was replaced by Michalak against Argentina after damaging his Achilles and the Stade Français playmaker is not expected to be fit until the final group match against Georgia. Installed as Laporte's first choice outside-half, Skréla could see his grip on the number ten shirt loosen if the gifted but flaky Michalak fires against Namibia and Ireland. "I want to help the team move forward and progress in the group," said Michalak "I will to stick to the gameplan and try to play as well as I possibly can - without asking myself whether I will be selected next time or not. "We all really want to play and win this match. I am really looking forward to it. "After being out for six months with a knee ligament injury, which was devastating, I just want to get on the pitch and play." Given France's bloodlust, Namibia coach Hakkies Husselman is preparing his troops for an almighty backlash. "France will be much more physical the they were last week [against Argentina]," Husselman predicted of the hosts. "They will carry the ball much better this time. I think ball presentation will be better and they will keep the ball better. "We're expecting them to get in our faces. Obviously we've been working on our defensive structures and the guys are ready for the game. "It'll be very difficult to beat France on their home turf, and we have a lot of amateurs players. "It's the same as if I put one of my players against Roger Federer on the court, so the chance of a surprise is very, very low." Players to watch: For France: The injury sustained by David Skréla has opened the door to Frédéric Michalak, and he needs no second invitation to impress. The mercurial playmaker will relish being back in the blue number ten jersey, and playing at the big-match home of his club won't do him any harm. He alone has the power to reassert France's famous va-va-voom - expect tricks galore! For Namibia: Outshining Ireland's backline is no easy feat, but Ryan Witbooi did just that last week. The clever wing had a hand in both Namibian tries and his mazy running, feints and stepping left his illustrious opponents looking extremely flat-footed. France can't say they have not been warned. Head to head: Back row v back row: Namibia have opted to field three established opensides in an obvious attempt to dominate the breakdown and scupper French momentum. It's up to France's hugely athletic trio to thwart Namibia's plans. Previous results: 1999: France won 47-13 in Bordeaux (RWC) Prediction: France are in desperate need for a big, bold, confident win. Namibia will frustrate for as long as their fitness will allow them, but France will duly pocket what they need. France by 45 points. The teams: France: 15 Clément Poitrenaud, 14 Vincent Clerc, 13 David Marty, 12 Damien Traille, 11 Cédric Heymans, 10 Frédéric Michalak, 9 Jean-Baptiste Elissalde (c), 8 Julien Bonnaire, 7 Thierry Dusautoir, 6 Yannick Nyanga, 5 Lionel Nallet, 4 Sébastien Chabal, 3 Pieter de Villiers, 2 Dimitri Szarzewski, 1 Jean-Baptiste Poux. Replacements: 16 Raphaël Ibañez, 17 Nicolas Mas, 18 Fabien Pelous, 19 Imanol Harinordoquy, 20 Lionel Beauxis, 21 Yannick Jauzion, 22 Aurélien Rougerie. Namibia: 15 Tertius Losper, 14 Ryan Witbooi, 13 Bratley Langenhoven, 12 Piet van Zyl, 11 Heini Bock, 10 Emile Wessels, 9 Jurie van Tonder, 8 Jacques Burger, 7 Michael MacKenzie, 6 Jacques Nieuwenhuis, 5 Nico Esterhuize, 4 Wacca Kazombiaze, 3 Jane du Toit, 2 Hugo Horn, 1 Kees Lensing (c). Replacements: 16 Johannes Meyer, 17 Johnny Redelinghuys, 18 Herman Lindvelt, 19 Tinus du Plessis, 20 Eugene Jantjies, 21 Lu-Wayne Botes, 22 Melrick Africa. Date: Sunday, 16 September Venue: Stade Municipal, Toulouse Kick-off: 21:00 (20:00 BST, 19:00 GMT) Conditions: Dry, clear, moderate easterly winds - max 32°C, min 17°C Referee: Alain Rolland Touch judges: Carlo Damasco, Kelvin Deaker Television match official: Simon McDowell Assessor: Tappe Henning
