Mercenaries Galore / Possible France Team

Yet another day when the rugby world is rocked by French money. Interesting to compare to today’s ‘soccer’ transfer deadline day. Perhaps rugby is starting to see the rise of ‘superclubs’ like we have seen in the lesser code for years. Maybe I can show how some of these clubs will become all-star lineups with players from all around the world. I’m not sure how much of this is reported in the UK, maybe some but I highly doubt others.

Firstly, looks like Brad Thorne, the Kiwi lock, will join Clermont after the World Cup. His adversary Bakkies Botha is heading to Toulon. Drew Mitchell, the Aussie wing will join Stade Francais at the same time. Toulouse have been flaunting their status as Europe’s wealthiest club and more than making up for the loss of David Skrela by bringing in Lionel Beauxis and Luke McAlister. The paper seems certain that Lee Byrne will definitely play for Clermont Auvergne. Bayonne, mentioned in the last post, will be where Shane Geraghty will play next season after not fulfilling his potential at Northampton.

More of a rumour is the possible joint-move of Aussie captain Rocky Elsom and once world's-most-expensive player, Matt Giteau, to Toulon. Apparently Giteau is the more likely.

Toulouse are arguably the only superclub in rugby, with heritage and class and trophies to back up a large wad of cash. Toulon are fast approaching, and Clermont too. A second rung would be made up of Racing Métro, Perpignan and Stade Francais. England’s answer would be Leicester, but only just, evidently hampered by the salary cap.

Given that The Scotsman’s analysis of the French team for Saturday will inevitably be dire, here’s the Midi Olympique take on the French team for Saturday. Some positions are dead-certs (in blue) and others are undecided (in red)

1.       Domingo

2.       Servat

3.       Mas

4.       Pierre – Either Julien Pierre or Jerome Thion, not a particularly exciting tussle.

5.       Nallet

6.       Dusautoir

7.       Ouedraogo – Or Harinordoquay? Really depends on who plays #8.

8.       Harinordoquay – Or Chabal?! Extraordinary debate to be even having...

9.       Parra

10.   Trinh-Duc

11.   Médard

12.   Mermoz – Could Jauzion be left out?! Mermoz has been in sparkling form, though still risky...

13.   Rougerie – Depends on the 12. If Jauzion, could go with more physical Marty.

14.   Clerc

15.   Traille – The audacity of Poitrenaud or the solidity of Traille. Lack of a decent kicker in the midfield points to Traille.

Midi Olympique could turn out to be totally wrong, but it’s an exciting debate to have. Lievremont seems to have got tired of experimentation and picking players from smaller clubs from obscurity. This is undoubtedly his best squad and quite formidable they look too.