News that the FFR is inviting applications for the post of head coach of the French national squad comes as little or no surprise.
Rumours had been swirling from Lille to Biarritz for ages.
Among the stipulations laid down by Olivier Lièvremont, the National Technical Director, is that the initial contract will run for two years only, with a further extension of two years (up to the 2029 RWC) should the successful candidate come up to scratch.
The ultimate target is of course a first RWC trophy.
Lièvremont also indicates only a single head coach is being sought. How sensible! More to the point, why did anyone think it wise to appoint two co-coaches in 2023?
The previous RWC in New Zealand under Thomas Darracq had not gone well for France. There was, allegedly, disharmony and discontent. He was ousted. It meant the first task facing the incomers was to restore a measure of togetherness.
From my limited viewings of the inner workings of the programme this has not happened. I found the hectoring tone of both the bosses disquieting. Perhaps I’m too fragile.
Inside Europe the one big aim was to defeat the English. They came desperately close, but the losing run now dates back seven years.
On the field les Bleues retained their maddening inconsistency, blending magical, unstoppable rugby with weaknesses at set-piece and in open play that were never satisfactorily resolved.
Team selection remained a point of sharp debate. The two bosses rarely seemed able to stick to a settled side.
The RWC
Performances in the group stages were satisfactory if not world-shattering.
The narrow quarter-final win over Ireland (18-13) raised the old doubts. The draw meant they had to meet England (‘away’) in the semis. They went down 17-35.
To maintain their extraordinary but unwelcome record of seven third places (!), they now needed to beat the Black Ferns, themselves stung to the quick by Canada’s astonishing victory. They were in no mood for mercy.
That was the last straw for the bosses – to be frank, it may well have come much earlier.
If the tournament draw seemed tough, it was the direct result of France’s drop to fourth place in world rankings.
The Future
We won’t know the results of the FFR’s deliberations till 3 November, so there is time for composed thought.
Among the many candidates whose names are being trumpeted are two of particular interest: Caroline Sune who has overseen the all-conquering Under 20 squad (they have no trouble in squashing England teams); and Francois Ratier, once head coach of Canada and now the boss of another all-conquering team, Stade Bordelais. Both are familiar with recurrent victories, and both will be familiar with many of the current national squad; Sune has a marginal advantage of having overseen the development of a new generation of Bleues.
If they do finish up on a short list of two, what are the chances a major national side might be run by a woman? Ho, hum.
