THE CHANCES of a white Christmas in Perpignan would seem about as likely as Wales one day beating Australia. Down in the deep south of France, the winters are mild…
France
Moneyball: The Best backrowers in Europe
RUGBY IS a subjective old sport. When it comes to talk of who is top of the pile, it's hard to come to a definitive answer, with pub-know-it-alls basing opinions…
The French are flying in the Heineken Cup
IT'S THE half-way stage of the Heineken Cup and for the French clubs things are looking good. With three of the six pool matches gone, only Biarritz of the seven…
World Cup draw holds no fear for France
DID YOU hear it then? That sound, shortly after the groans had ceased from the England and Wales camps. It was the sound of Gallic guffawing as they digested the…
High-flying France still a threat to their own success
“MISSION ACCOMPLISHED," declared Philippe Saint Andre in the wake of France’s dogged 22-14 defeat of Samoa on Saturday evening. "Today is the victory of courage, restraint, solidarity. We did not…
France’s toughest battle with themselves, not the Pumas
THE GREATEST challenge facing France on Saturday in Lille isn’t the Pumas – strong as they’ll be - but the French themselves. “We will see if we’re capable of stringing…
Missing the party: Four players not invited this Autumn
THE FIRST round of the Autumn Internationals has been and gone and happiness isbeing found in some unlikely places. England rumbled onwards, despite chronic wastefulness. Ireland got up close to…
Michalak returns at No 10 to ignite Les Bleus
SO FREDDY'S back. For the first time since 2007, Michalak will start a home Test match for France and Les Bleus will be all the better for it. The 30-year-old…
Can dreams become reality for Racing Metro?
THE TOP 14 is soon to close down for three weeks allowing clubs to take stock of their early season form. For Racing Metro it’s been nothing short of disastrous.…
Why the hype over France’s Gael Fickou
LET'S NOT get carried away. Gael Fickou had a good game for Toulouse in their win over Leicester on Sunday, but was the 18-year-old’s try-scoring performance really that special? Sure,…