Another French midfielder to terrorise England
SQUAD ANNOUNCEMENT: England are well aware of the threat Virimi Vakatawa poses in midfield for France and have prepared adequately to counter him reports England’s forwards coach Simon Amor.
Vakatawa who has been an attacking force for France in their sevens side has been selected by Fabian Galthie’ to do duty at 13 for his country.
In an interview with England’s Jonny May he says that you can sense the French are entering a new era as the Six Nations prepares to continue and seem to be regarding it as a “fresh start” for them. The England flyer admits they’re a difficult team to anticipate or predict and sees them as a dangerous side that can “turn it on at will”.
Simon Amor, England’s forwards coach describes Vakatawa as “phenomenal” and a “danger man”. However, he says that although they’re well aware of him England have great players themselves in the midfield and they’re not only good enough to contain him but also to exploit the opportunities when they arise.
Amor goes on to say that since returning to training the intensity and amount of adaptability being put into it has been excellent. He feels this is key to England going forward. They’re working hard on being able to change their tactics depending upon the situations, opposition and weather mid game.
One can only but assume this is due to some fallout still from the World Cup Final where the Boks changed up their game plan radically for England and caught them napping
French Team to face England
15. A Bouthier, 14. T Thomas, 13. V Vakatawa, 12. G Fickou, 11. V Rattez, 10. R Ntamack, 9. A Dupont. 8. G Alldritt, 7. C Ollivon, 6. F Cros, 5. P Willemse, 4 B. Le Roux, 3. M Haouas, 2. J Marchand, 1. C Baille
Reserves:
16. P Mauvaka, 17. J Poirot, 18. D Bamba, 19. B Palu, 20. C Woki, 21. B Serin, 22. M Jalibert, 23. A Vincent
Source: AFP
