Who should start backrow for France

Ok so we've seen France run out twice and seen Bonnaire, Dusatoir, Harinordoquy, Lakafia, Picamoles and Ouedraogo.

I think Dusatoir who is one of the toughest tacklers I've seen, should start along with Harinordoquy who has been a constant force in a chopping and changing team. After that its tough, I'd probably look to use Picamoles who plays for Toulouse - had a great game against Ireland.

What do you all think? What is Frances best backrow.

Agree with that backrow. I hadn't expected Lakafia to make the cut with Harinordoquy and Picamoles both covering number 8. Ouedraogo is a big bloke, hadn't realised he was so physical when I see him on TV.

Always been Impressed with Ouedraogo, much more than Bonnaire.
Personally, I would go
6 Ouedraogo
7 Dusatoir
8 Harinordoquy
Would probably have Picamoles on the bench, with Harinordoquy moving to the flank.

Didn't rate Picamoles against Ireland. He looked lacking in ball skills and would need to step up about 3 gears to make the starting 15. Bet he would play harder from the bench. I like flankertye's selection.

aitchw wrote:Didn't rate Picamoles against Ireland. He looked lacking in ball skills and would need to step up about 3 gears to make the starting 15. Bet he would play harder from the bench. I like flankertye's selection.

Yet he made 106 metres which was comfortably the most of any player on the pitch and quite a few offloads which caused Ireland real trouble.

Perhaps I am not looking past early stages in the game when he spilled ball at tackles and looked a bit lost from time to time. I'll happily grant he looked better as the game got going but I put that more down to Ireland being bettered generally around the park. I'm ignoring the last 15 mins or so when Ireland were allowed a bit of come back as France took their feet of the gas.

Yeahh, think as a second half sub he could do more damage with his running and offloading.
How I envy France and their strength in depth.
Does anyone know much about Lakafia?

He's a very good player but inexperienced. You gotta remember that at Biarritz he's starting at number 8 with Harinordoquy shifting to flanker to accomodate him. He's made it ahead of the iconic Chabal and was exposed in some tough Heineken Cup venues. He was very good against Ulster and Bath in Europe I thought.

I've always had a soft spot for Chabal. Yeah he's a just a mass of hair and beard, but I love watching him play.
Hmmm true, but Harinordoquy is just as effective on the openside flank in my opinion. Anyway, I really hope france knock out New Zealand. One of the few teams with the firepower to do it.