The 2025 Six Nations is fast approaching and champions Ireland will be wary of the threat posted by France in particular.
Les Bleus have been Ireland’s main foes in the competition since Andy Farrell took charge, his side losing to the 2022 champions three times in five meetings.
Ireland had arrested a slide against Fabien Galthie’s side, beating them on home soil in 2023 before winning away en route to the 2024 title.
France were without star man Antoine Dupont on that latter occasion, the premier player in the sport instead focusing his attention on his Sevens duties at the 2024 Olympics.
But it is not just the restoration of the enigmatic out-half that could trouble interim Ireland boss Simon Easterby when he looks at the French squad.
Jackman warns Slimani could give France advantage
Leinster prop Rabah Slimani has been restored to the French panel at the age of 35, having initially been a part of the cull that followed the 2019 World Cup when Galthie took the reins.
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Slimani, a tighthead prop, has enjoyed a strong season in the blue of Leinster, packing down with the likes of Andrew Porter and Ronan Kelleher.
He will have trained extensively with Irish tighthead Tadhg Furlong too and as a teammate of the fit-again Dan Sheehan, will be familiar with their way of doing business.
The Leinster triumvirate of Porter/Sheehan/Furlong has been Ireland’s go-to selection for years now, with Kelleher filling in for Sheehan on occasion.
It is likely to be an all-Leinster trio who pack down against France in round four of the 2025 Championship, and Slimani’s knowledge could prove particularly useful to France’s coaching staff.
Ex-Ireland star and prominent rugby pundit Bernard Jackman suggested as much when speaking on the RTÉ Rugby Podcast.
It will also be interesting what Slimani’s role is the week of the Ireland game.
“Is he in the 23 or is he giving them really good information around the Irish game and the Irish players.
“I think it’s quite creative by Galthie, and fair play to him.”
Jackman further speculated that the move must be calculated given that France do not historically pick players at clubs outside of the Top 14.
‘It’s a really interesting move by Galthie,” he added.
“I’d say the LNR [French union], the French clubs, wouldn’t be overly keen on it because potentially it makes it harder for them to retain players.”
Whether Slimani gets capped during the competition remains to be seen but the veteran has been a real asset for Leinster, both in starting matches and coming on as a replacement.
SEE ALSO: Jackman Claims Unknown Leinster Teenager Will Be ‘Next Tadhg Furlong’
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Author : rugby-247
Publish date : 2025-01-17 16:24:11
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