France seek to widen their ambitions against Romania

France captain Dimitri Szarzewski says set-piece dominance is crucial

Team selected for Olympic stadium clash is equipped to spread the ball at speed, but Les Bleus are adamant they will not lose their heads

LONDON: France are geared to attack out wide in their Pool D match against Romania on Wednesday.

In making 13 changes to the team that beat Italy on Saturday, selectors have chosen a more mobile unit, signalling an intention to play with flair and fluidity.

With fast-paced second row Alexandre Flanquart, flanker Bernard Le Roux starting at lock and Yannick Nyanga and Fulgence Ouedraogo, two loose forwards thriving in open spaces, France have the weapons needed to move the ball against a bulky Romanian team.

 

Pace and fluidity

Backs coach Patrice Lagisquet: “We’re not going to unveil our strategy. It would be disrespectful for Romania, who have a strong team. But we lined up a team that will look to move the ball and provide some momentum.

“We hope that this game plan will be easier to implement than against Italy, where there were loads of interruptions.”

 Ouedraogo added: “We know they are strong. Yes, we want to control the possession and have them running, but we haven’t got a specific plan in place for that. This has more to do with the qualities of the team that was put together.’

With two games scheduled in the space of four days, Les Bleus needed to rotate their squad for the clash with the Oaks.

Management are keen to emphasise that they will not be running the ball at all costs, as they seek to clinch the points that will put pressure on Ireland at the top of Pool D.

First, they will have to respond well in the forward battle, an area that Philippe Saint-André cherishes more than others. “If we don’t put enough intensity and ferocity, then we will underperform against anybody,” he said. The players appear to have have got the message. “If we can score 40 points, we’ll do it. But we have to lay the foundations first because they are strong in the collisions,” said wing Sofiane Guitoune.

 

Physical challenge

Lagisquet confirmed: “Let’s not forget to anchor our opponents in the contact areas. Our team is designed to run, but first we have to respond to the physical challenge.” And Dimitri Szarzewski, who will take over captaincy duties from Thierry Dusautoir at the Olympic stadium, said: “We’ll have to have the basics right before trying anything. We mustn’t end up playing headless rugby.”

Sekope Kepu seals Australia’s 28-13 victory over Fiji

CARDIFF, 23 Sept – Two tries from David Pocock and one from Sekope Kepu saw Australia kick off their Rugby World Cup campaign with a hard-fought victory against Fiji at the Millennium Stadium on Wednesday.

Pocock’s brace gave the Wallabies an 18-3 first-half lead before Kepu added a third to give Australia a seemingly convincing lead. However, Fiji showed their never-say-die approach when fly-half Ben Volavola touched down and Nemani Nadolo converted to set up an enthralling finale as Australia chased the elusive fourth try and bonus point.  

The Wallabies had drawn first blood in a first half littered with penalties when Foley kicked over and Nadolo levelled the score in the 21st minute.  Number eight Pocock touched down in the 26th and 31st minutes. Kepu added a third with a powerful drive and Foley converted to put Australia in control before Nadolo gave Fiji hope with a lone penalty but it wasn’t to be.

An early blow for Fiji came when wing Waisea Nayacalevu twisted his knee in a tackle with Michael Hooper and was forced off. Nayacalevu was replaced by Asaeli Tikoirotuma.