Coach: Bernard Laporte - Trying to harness the traditional French values of flair and a mean pack. Has prioritised discipline. Penchant for selecting his old charges at Stade Francais. Last season: 2nd. Strengths: If everyone was fit they would possess the best three-quarter line in the championship. Brilliant going forward they can score form anywhere. Dominici is arguably the most exciting back in the championship, Garbajosa has recovered from injury, while Comba is playing extremely well for Stade Francais. Big, ball-playing pack including the outstanding Magne. Weaknesses: Discipline. Inclined to be petulant when things are going against them. Haven't quite sorted out their three-quarter line in that a couple of key players like Dominici and N'Tamack have missed a lot of rugby this season.

Key player: Christophe Lamaison - Pivotal figure, not only in terms of placekicking but also his ability to vary the game. If he gets time and space France will flourish. Forecast: Difficult fixture schedule this season in that they must travel to Twickenham and Lansdowne Road - Stade Flaminio shouldn't pose the same problems. Should beat the Scots and Welsh at home, Italy away and will be confident of edging past Ireland. Their pack couldn't match England's last season. Second.