RTE rugby pundit Bernard Jackman has forecasted a grim future for France’s head coach – Fabien Galthie – suggesting his likely dismissal before the culmination of the Guinness Six Nations.
This speculation follows France’s latest underwhelming performance in Lille, where they narrowly avoided defeat against Italy, managing only a 13-13 draw in Round 3 of the competition. The match saw France reduced to 14 men for the second half, allowing Italy to mount significant pressure and nearly clinch a historic victory.
Italian fly-half Paolo Garbisi’s penalty strike against the post in the dying moments of the game left the outcome hanging in a tense balance, ultimately resulting in a draw.
France 7s Captain Paulin Riva Dupont joining the 7s squad
With the bar set so high for this French team, their struggle to dominate in a match where they were heavily favoured has raised more questions about their direction under the 54-year-old Galthie’s stewardship.
Former Grenoble head coach Jackman believes that knives will be out for Galthie in France, who has been under the kosh since France’s quarter-final exit from the Rugby World Cup.
“I’d be surprised if Fabien Galthie is there by the end of the Six Nations,” Jackman stated, reflecting the disappointment and frustration felt by many French rugby fans and commentators alike. The former Ireland hooker also projected the French press will be going in hard on the enigmatic head coach, who just 12 months ago was the toast of France.
There’s a growing concern over France’s campaign and Galthie’s leadership in the absence of super-star scrumhalf Antoine Dupont, who is now playing on the SVNS circuit.
As the Six Nations heads towards its final two weekends, all eyes will be on the French camp, with pressure on the misfiring team to win their final two games against England and Wales.
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