Springboks legends make bold France call two years out from the Rugby World Cup with ‘something special’ brewing
Jean de Villiers and Schalk Burger are predicting big things for France despite there still being over two years until the start of the next Rugby World Cup.
Les Bleus hosted the 2023 worldwide tournament but were defeated at the quarter-final stage by the Springboks, who secured a 29-28 success.
South Africa would go on to win the World Cup for their second successive title, but De Villiers feels that they may well be followed by Fabien Galthie’s men.
Dominance in Europe
Maxime Lucu and Matthieu Jalibert, who are essentially second choice at Test level, were crucial in defeating Northampton Saints in the final, and it is that depth that stands out for De Villiers. France won the recent Six Nations in spectacular fashion, including a hugely impressive victory over Ireland at the Aviva Stadium. They have also continued to dominate at club level, with Bordeaux-Begles making it five straight Champions Cup victories for Top 14 sides.
“The depth that France has now for their playmakers: Lucu, Jalibert, [Antoine] Dupont, [Romain] Ntamack, [Nolann] Le Garrec, [Thomas] Ramos. That’s three sets of nine and 10s that you can select,” the former Boks captain said on the Boks Office podcast.
“I think, slowly but surely, France might just be the biggest contender for World Cup winners 2027.
“The way they’re going. We’re not in Test season yet for the Boks but slowly but surely [they’re getting there].”
Burger also believes that they are headed in the right path and referred to both their Champions Cup win and what they continue to achieve at U20 level.
“The last five European Cup winners are French clubs. Their age-grade stuff has always been good so they’re building up to something special,” he said.
Facing the All Blacks
France will face the All Blacks in a three-match series in New Zealand for their next Test match.
Given that they will be travelling to the home of the three-time world champions with a weaker squad, it will serve as a strong indicator of that much-heralded depth.
Given that some of the French celebrities have stated that they would like to go on that tour of New Zealand, it is unclear just how weak they are.
Burger thinks it might benefit them in the long run, even if Galthie does have a drastically diminished squad at their disposal.
In order to “scare” the All Blacks and keep at least one game close, the former South Africa flanker has also endorsed Les Bleus.
“All these players and we talk about their depth, they’re just creating more depth by exposing more players,” he said.
“Obviously, the Top 14 runs a bit longer and it’s the biggest competition for them. These players are earning well and they’re being held down by the clubs. It’s unfortunately the system.
“We’ve said before that we want to see their best players coming to South Africa and New Zealand will be no different, but in one of these games the French side will scare the All Blacks.”
