France has not won the Six Nations in over a decade, having last triumphed in the competition in 2010 by claiming the Grand Slam. Les Bleus should have ended their drought last year and were in position against Scotland in the final fixture of the tournament, only to lose at the Stade de France to a late try from Duhan van der Merwe.
Fabien Galthie and his team will return hungry for success in the competition this year, and the coach has an extremely talented squad at his disposal. France are currently backed in the Six Nations odds 2022 at a price of 6/4 to claim the crown, pitting them ahead of England and Ireland in the minds of the bookmakers. Tracking the latest Paddy Power rugby tips will be useful before placing a bet on Les Bleus, bearing in mind the changes that can occur due to injuries over the course of the competition. The talent and depth are evident in the backline more than in any other position on the field. At scrum-half, Antoine Dupont is arguably the best player in the world at his position. The 25-year-old was entrusted with the captaincy in the Autumn Internationals following an injury to Charles Ollivon. He delivered under pressure for Les Bleus, putting on a clinical display against New Zealand to secure an emphatic 40-25 win over the All Blacks.
Due to his exploits, Dupont was named World Player of the Year after an outstanding series of performances over the course of 2021. If he remains injury-free and operates at the same level, then France will be well on their way. Baptiste Serin is not a bad player to have in reserve to ease the burden on Dupont, especially considering the wear and tear that the scrum-half will receive in all five matches.
Romain Ntamack has limitless potential at fly-half, although he still needs to refine his game. However, he was another Frenchman operating at the peak of his powers against the All Blacks. He helped Dupont control the flow of the game and created incisive moves in the final third to open the New Zealand defence. Ntamack knows where the try-line is himself as he notched a score in the victory, his first since the end of the 2020 Six Nations.
The 22-year-old has had occasional problems handling the pressure of the occasion, but France are well served with the equally talented Matthieu Jalibert waiting in the wings. The fly-half replaced Ntamack in the line-up last season in the Six Nations, but injury presented a chance for his team-mate in the ranks and he has not relinquished his position yet. Their fierce competition for the fly-half spot highlights the talent that Galthie has at his disposal.
The boot of Melvyn Jaminet was crucial in overcoming the All Blacks along with Australia last summer. The full-back has slotted into the team seamlessly, and his development as a kicker could be the defining factor for Les Bleus in the Six Nations.
France have not always enjoyed reliability from their kickers under the spotlight on the major stage: Jaminet's composure could the difference between ending their title drought or extending it into the 13th year.
France have the most talented backline in the competition, and Galthie has to ensure that he can maximise their potential to deliver the crown.
