France's rugby stars are in top form ahead of the Six Nations Championship. Recent Champions Cup performances by Bordeaux and Toulouse, featuring key national team players, have fueled optimism for a strong tournament showing. This year's competition could be historic for France, with players like Penaud nearing scoring records and the team aiming to build on their 2022 Six Nations success.
f last weekend’s Champions Cup performances are anything to go by, France ’s stars are arriving at the Six Nations this year at the peak of their powers. In both Bordeaux’s pummelling of the Sharks and Toulouse’s dismantling of Leicester, the France stalwarts led the way – fromof tries to Antoine Dupont’s now-customary multipositional display, with a resurgent Romain Ntamack by his side and Thibaud Flament excelling across all areas of the pitch.
While too early to have any definitive impact on squad selection for 2027, this year’s tournament could nevertheless be one for the XV de France record books. Penaud is two tries away from equalling Serge Blanco’s record 38 international tries, while Thomas Ramos is fast closing down on Frédéric Michalak’s tally of 436 points.
The fly-half faces equally stiff competition from Bordeaux’s Matthieu Jalibert, whose disagreements with Galthié during the autumn internationals now appear to be water under the bridge. Having been left out of the squad to face the All Blacks, the 26-year-old left the squad entirely and did not return for the closer against Argentina. “He’ll remain with the national team, if he wants it,” the France head coach had explained cryptically in November.
Other senior players in Gaël Fickou and Jonathan Danty will miss the start of the campaign, with their injuries leading notably to the surprise call-up of the 20‑year‑old Dax centre Noah Nene. The Stade Français loanee, whose three tries this season include a 50‑metre solo run in the Landes derby against Mont-de Marsan, has been one of the standout performers in the Pro D2. It remains to be seen if he survives the first cut to the provisional squad.
RUGBY SIX NATIONS FRANCE CHAMPIONS CUP TOP 14 RECORD INJURIES SELECTION
Philippines Latest News, Philippines Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Djokovic Eyes Another Slam as Ashes and Rugby Six Nations LoomsNovak Djokovic hopes to start 2025 with a Grand Slam win, the England women's cricket team seeks to reclaim the Ashes in Australia, and Ireland aims for a third consecutive Six Nations rugby title.
Read more »
Qatar Airways agrees £80m sponsorship deal for rugby union’s Nations ChampionshipQatar Airways has agreed a deal to become title sponsors of the new Nations Championship, underlining rugby union’s determination to secure investment from the Middle East
Read more »
England’s Six Nations hopes dealt major blow with Feyi-Waboso ruled outEngland are set to go into the Six Nations without two of their first choice back three players after Immanuel Feyi-Waboso was ruled out of the championship
Read more »
Rugby League World Cup 2030 Bids Open, International Expansion PlannedFive countries, including Kenya, South Africa, and the United States, are expressing interest in hosting the 2030 Rugby League World Cup. International Rugby League aims to expand the sport globally, requiring government support for hosting bids. This follows France's withdrawal from hosting the 2025 World Cup. Other nations in the running for future World Cups include New Zealand and Papua New Guinea.
Read more »
WATCH: Joey Manu scores on debut in Japanese rugby but Aussie rival ices winFormer Sydney Roosters star Joey Manu crossed the line in his first game in rugby union.
Read more »
Watch: Joey Manu scores on debut in Japanese rugby but Aussie rival ices winFormer Sydney Roosters star Joey Manu crossed the line in his first game in rugby union.
Read more »