ogonda says...

Noves is spot on in terms of the Coaching Team, albeit Didier Retiere (forwards coach) who has done remarkable job in ensuring a formidable unit that can take on the very best. Perhaps the player selection role should be taken away from the Coaching Team and handed over to an independent panel comprising respectable personalities who appreciate French flair (Serge Blanco, Rives and Berbezier)

Looking ahead towards the 2010 World Cup and barring no injuries, Forwards Nicolas Mas, Thomas Domingo, Fabien Barcella, Luc Ducalcon, William Servat, Swarzewski, Lionel Nallet, Julien Pierre, Pascal Pape, Millo-Chluski, Thierry Dusautoir, Julien Bonnaire, Imanol Harinordoquy, Lois Picamoles and Ouedraogo.

Backline is a total mess largely due Ntamak. Player selection criteria should been pace, creativity and defensive. Every Rugby team has had an aggressive and hot headed player, which should not be basis of non inclusion. Not all is lost with the abundant depth of talent. Backs: Julien Dupuy, Julien Tomas, Trinh-Duc, Beauxis, Fabrice Estebanez,, Skrela Memoz, Bastareaud, florin Fritz, Vincent Clerc, Yoann Huget, Andreu, Maxime Medard, Rougerie (as winger and not centre) and Alexis Palisson.

Posted 08:21 15th March 2011

mlbp says...

Wise words from a wise man... I think in these forums I have already said something similar to what he says in this paragraph: "If you review the last four years, is there a common thread between the first, second, third and fourth year?" Lièvremont did not seem to have a clear plan of what he wanted. He tinkered and at the end stuck with players that were not the best after so much changing, trying and testing. The fans did not understand him and maybe the players didn't either. Is Novès posing himself as a successor?

Posted 23:48 14th March 2011

alanatleeds says...

Guy Noves is only saying what nearly all expert pundits have been sayng for the last two years. Lievremont constantly undermines the team spirit by constant changes of line-up. I don't know the French word for cohesion-but I bet he doesn't either.

Posted 20:00 14th March 2011