Jake: France are predictable

Jake White says the Springboks should know exactly what to expect from France at Loftus on Saturday.

In his latest column for AllOutRugby.com, White said it was a myth that France are an unpredictable side, as modern rugby's analysis systems meant teams and players could be studied.

'Any coach who has spent some time in France can tell you what to expect from the French this week,' wrote the former Bok coach, who recently left French club Montpellier.

'In fact, I can tell you the team that’s probably going to play the first Test. The Toulouse flyhalf, Jean-Marc Doussain will run out at 10. He is not a reliable goal-kicker which means Racing scrumhalf Maxime Machenaud must play. The Bordeaux scrumhalf, Baptise Serin will probably have to back up at 10.

'The French captain, Guilhem Guirado can’t play because he played for Toulon in the Top 14 final on Sunday. That means the hooker will have to be 21-year-old Camille Chat. He really struggles in the lineout, and with Yoann Maestri and Julian Le Devedec (who is quite short compared to the locks we have) in the second row, you can almost predict where their strengths and weaknesses will be.

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'All those Clermont and Toulon players from the final will be fresh for the second Test, which is in Durban, at sea level. So France will be better in the second Test.

'Louis Picamoles will run over the top of you if you don’t grab his legs. Fullback Brice Dulin will counter-attack every time you kick poorly. France will take quick taps. Winger Yoann Huget will take inside balls off the flyhalf, that you can count on. Virimi Vakatawa likes to offload; he’s a Fijian outside back that knows how to finish.'

Full column

Photo: Franck Fife/AFP Photo

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