France eye Namibia springboard to Rugby World Cup pool dominance

MARSEILLE – France coach Fabien Galthie is taking inspiration from Charles Darwin to prepare for minnows Namibia in Marseille on Thursday, in what should be a further step to topping Rugby World Cup Pool A.

After seeing off the mighty All Blacks 27-13 in the tournament’s opening match, Galthie rang the changes for the second game against Uruguay.

That threw up more questions than answers for the coaching staff, however, as a largely second-string side laboured to a 27-12 victory over the South Americans.

As a result, Galthie has this time plumped for a near full-strength team, leaving no room for error.

Just three from that starting XV against Uruguay were retained for Thursday’s match against Namibia, who can only look on with envy at a line-up that includes the likes of France skipper Antoine Dupont and fullback Thomas Ramos.

Barnstorming centre Jonathan Danty and Cyril Baille, arguably the world’s best loosehead prop on his day, are also back from their respective injuries.

Galthie insisted that rotation among the squad was primordial, even quoting Darwin to justify his selection.

“Our method is based on adaptability. We build our line-up on a weekly basis,” the coach mused.

“It’s a bit like Darwin’s theory – it’s not the strongest of the species that survives, nor the most intelligent. It is the one that is most adaptable to change.”

One thing that has not changed, though, is how Marseille’s Stade Velodrome has a special place in France’s hearts.

Galthie was in the side who played France’s first Test at the venue, against New Zealand in 2000 and he had vivid memories from that Nov 18 night.

The bus driver taking the team to the stadium could not find his way and they arrived half an hour before kick-off, and stepped into the dressing room 15 minutes before the game.

Nonetheless, the crowd gave them a memorable reception and Les Bleus were fired up when the referee blew the whistle. France ended up winning the Test 42-33.

Since then, the atmosphere has always been exceptional in Marseille, where the home side have won 11 of their 13 Tests, the last one in 2022 when they beat South Africa 30-26.

But regardless of venue, France will be massive favourites going into Thursday’s match against Namibia, who have already lost 52-8 to Italy and 71-3 to New Zealand in Pool A.

For the African side, centre Danco Burger will replace the injured Le Roux Malan in one of nine changes.

Captain Johan Deysel, at outside centre, and wing Gerswin Mouton are among three backs to keep their spots while the other, Cliven Loubser, switches from fullback to fly-half.

Namibia, in their seventh World Cup, have lost all 24 previous matches. The closest they have come to victory was a one-point defeat by Georgia in 2015.

“The French have selected their best team, which is a great test for our players,” said Namibia coach Allister Coetzee, also justifying his team tinkering.

“It’s important to give every player coming to a World Cup an opportunity to play.

“Our whole mindset was building towards the last game against Uruguay and see what the players can offer and get to our best possible team for the last game.”

There will be a true baptism of fire for Namibia scrum-half Jacques Theron, who will be up against the nuggety Dupont.

“It’s my first start for Namibia, so I’m massively excited to show what I can do and what’s in me,” he said.

“Playing against Dupont, one of the world’s biggest rugby names right now, is going to be a lot of fun and I know I can learn a lot from him, so I’m very excited for the challenge.” AFP