France boss Jacques Brunel believes Test match rookie Romain Ntamack is “a strong pick” for Friday’s Six Nations opener against Wales.
On the surface, Brunel has adopted a bold approach with his midfield selections, partnering 19-year-old Ntamack with richly-talented Clermont Auvergne centre Wesley Fofana.
Ntamack’s debut comes 25 years after his father Emile first played for Les Bleus – Wales were also the opponents – and much is expected of the Toulouse player.
But while Ntamack can look forward to his big chance, France’s defensive linchpin Mathieu Bastareaud – a regular during Brunel’s reign – has been omitted and not even made the matchday 23.
“Romain Ntamack is a strong pick,” head coach Brunel said. “Of course, he is a lad whose qualities we all know.
“He has shown since the start of the season that he is capable of adapting to the levels he has played at.
South Africa-born lock Paul Willemse is also making his Les Bleus debut.
“He (Bastareaud) is an important player in the squad. He has definitely not been thrown out.”
But however much flair France might possess behind the scrum, there is no escaping the presence of a huge pack that has a combined weight of just over 150 stones.
And that would suggest they will target Wales in the scrums and mauls as Les Bleus aim for only a second victory form the last eight starts against their Paris visitors.
Key to the French forward effort will be South Africa-born lock Paul Willemse, who joins Ntamack in winning a first cap.
The former Junior Springbok received his French passport only two months ago, and Brunel has wasted no time thrusting him into the Test match arena.
France, though, have it all to do to make an impression on this season’s tournament, with Wales, England and Ireland clear favourites to feature in the title shake-up.
Les Bleus have not been crowned Six Nations champions since 2010, while they have claimed just two top-three finishes during the subsequent eight seasons.
Defeat to Wales would immediately put them on the back foot, but a win against Warren Gatland’s team will have the opposite effect and set up an intriguing Twickenham appointment with England on Sunday week.
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