It is often said that rugby starts at the front, and this is more true than ever in modern rugby. French forwards are also historically known for their scrum. But it's not just their raw power or technique that impresses: it's their versatility. Karim Ghezal, former coach of the French XV forwards (2020-2023), explains it bluntly in the columns of L'Equipe:
“Versatility is a determining criterion at the highest level. With a 6-2 bench, you must have forwards capable of moving between several positions to adapt to the vagaries of the match. »
Versatility: a tactical obligation
Why is this versatility all the more important at the international level? Unlike the Top 14, where rotations are more flexible, international matches do not allow the same freedoms in terms of changes. A versatile player then becomes a valuable asset for juggling between positions, especially in the face of unforeseen injuries or cards.
“We need players who can cover at the back if necessary. We did it with Sekou Macalou, who could play winger. Paul Boudehent can help out in the center or on a wing. These profiles offer valuable tactical options. »
Certainly these profiles can be interesting, but it remains “DIY” and it's never very effective. As Ghezal puts it, Boudehent can “help out”, but this is not an option that we really want to see at the highest level.
Mauvaka and the chameleon fronts
If there is one player who embodies this versatility, it is Peato Mauvaka. The Toulouse hooker has gotten into the habit of finishing matches on the third row, becoming a real luxury joker for the Blues staff.
“Mauvaka can play 80 minutes, play a series of roles on the sidelines, lift, jump… He is an extra weapon. »
XV of France. Between Versatility and Specificity, Galthié exploits the Potential of his protégés to the maximum
In the same way, profiles like Alexandre Roumat, capable of playing 4, 6 or 8, or Mickaël Guillard, who covers second and third lineadd depth and flexibility to the squad. In their cases, they already use and cultivate this flexibility in club, so it is logical to find it in the French team.
The importance of this versatility was highlighted during the match against South Africa in November 2022. A chaotic meeting where the staff had to juggle injuries and cards:
“We had a 6-2 bench, and Sekou Macalou played winger after Jonathan Danty left. It was huge. Without versatile profiles like him, we would have been in difficulty. »
For Karim Ghezal, these players capable of moving from one position to another, while remaining efficient, are essential to the elite. There management of replacements, combined with these hybrid profiles, is one of the secrets of the success of the Blues.
With a match against Argentina coming up, the France team is still relying on these multi-use profiles to compensate for unforeseen circumstances. As Ghezal says:
“The main thing is to keep a balance between powerful players and aerial players. »
A recipe which has proven its effectiveness and which could well still make the difference this Friday.
