The Rugby World Cup is over for France. With the side finishing in fourth position, the French public is now digesting a result they were not expecting at the start of the Tournament.
Some outstanding pool matches and a great first half against Ireland were followed by their semi final loss to England and a forgettable result in the playoff against New Zealand.
Laporte, Berbizier and Skrela
Pierre Berbizier was in charge of France between 1992-1995. During that time he recorded 27 victories, 12 defeats and one draw for a winning percentage of 67.5 percent.
He was succeeded by Jean-Claude Skrela, who held the reins between 1995-1999. During his time in charge the French amassed 35 victories and 17 defeats for a 67.3 percent success rate.
As it stands, Bernard Laporte, holds a 57 percent winning record after his 28 victories, 20 losses and solitary draw. It says something about the new stability in French rugby that Laporte, unlike his two predecessors, is not facing the sack.
And yet Laporte's rejection of the traditional French flair in favour of a more disciplined and structured defensive game has not endeared him to everyone.
However, FFR President Bernard Lapasset and team manager Jo Maso have joined former scrum half Fabien Galthie in announcing their support for the coach. Laporte, meanwhile, remains unsure of his appetite for the role because of the demands it makes on his family life.
The FFR board will meet on 12 and 13 December to decide his future, a particularly important decision given France’s status as host nation of RWC 2007.
Next Tournament kicks off in three months
The 2004 Six Nations Championship will kick off for France when they host Ireland on 14 February at Stade De France. The team will be without Fabien Galthie, Gerald Merceron and Christian Labit, all of whom retired after RWC 2003. Having played in four RWC’s, Galthie will leave a large hole in the French backline.
There will also be a focus on the remaining players who will be over 30, with names like Pelous, Ibanez, Magne, Marsh and Dominci to come under question when the management tries to determine how to best introduce the players that will contest RWC 2007.
Of the young players already in the line up, Frederic Michalak has shown his class along with Imanol Harinordoquy, Jerome Thion and Yannick Jauzion. These four players can be expected to form the nucleus of the side for 2007.
While he was not part of the 2003 squad, one of the rising stars of French rugby, Vincent Clerc, could also be a part of future plans.
The plans are important for a growing hunger amongst the French public for success, particularly at home.