The Grand Slams are in the distant past. The glory days when France played with verve and panache, words of French origin, are long gone. France last cut through all five rivals in the tournament in 2010. They were the runners-up a year later before what looks to be a terminal decline set in. France have finished no better than fourth since, and were bottom of the pile in 2013.
The last time the French played a Six Nations game, they were thrashed 55-35 by England. They signed off at the World Cup with a record defeat to the All Blacks and if a new coach had not been called for, the outlook would look very bleak.
In Guy Noves the French Rugby Union have appointed one of their greatest coaches. Noves built one of the great rugby empires in the city of Toulouse, amassing a record four European Cups and ten titles. The fall of Toulouse in France’s Top 14, however, mirrors the problems faced by the national team and Noves will have to be at his most refreshing if his side are to get out of the malaise that affects them.
Noves has appointed Guilhem Guirado as his captain and rallying focal point, and the Toulon hooker looks to be made of the right stuff. Both men have a huge amount of work to get through if France are to prevail.
PLAYER TO WATCH — JONATHAN DANTY
Gael Fickou and Wesley Fofana are still in the France squad and operate at a high level in the centres, but Jonathan Danty might just be one of the ingredients that kick-start the French revival if he is given the chance. Danty is just 23, which is probably one of the primary reasons why he missed out on the World Cup under Philippe Saint-Andre. Noves has picked the Stade Francais player, who was one of the best in his league last season, and he should repay that faith over the five rounds.
POINT TO PROVE — GUY NOVES
Toulouse have not won the French title since 2012 and have not been a significant fixture in Europe since the high water mark of 2010. It is the only real blemish on Noves’ record as a coach. He clearly has the CV for the position as France coach, but needs to prove that he still has what it takes.
STAR IN THE MAKING — RABAH SLIMANI
The Stade Francais prop is quite a character. After his side won the French Top 14, the former No 8 stripped down to his pants and slid along a soaped down floor of the changing rooms straight in to the Bouclier de Brennus, the French championship trophy. On the field he is a destructive tighthead who can also operate on the other side of the scrum. The 26-year-old has a monstrous work ethic.
PREDICTION — 5th
France have Italy first in Paris and then host Ireland with the benefit of an extra day of rest in Round 2. As far as a confidence-building exercise is concerned, things do not get any easier for the French. The path becomes trickier with away matches in Cardiff and Edinburgh before the return to Stade De France to face England. France are the most difficult team to get a handle on, no change there then, but it is more likely to go wrong than right.
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How to protect yourself when air quality drops
Install an air filter in your home.
Close your windows and turn on the AC.
Shower or bath after being outside.
Wear a face mask.
Stay indoors when conditions are particularly poor.
If driving, turn your engine off when stationary.
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What is the FNC?
The Federal National Council is one of five federal authorities established by the UAE constitution. It held its first session on December 2, 1972, a year to the day after Federation.
It has 40 members, eight of whom are women. The members represent the UAE population through each of the emirates. Abu Dhabi and Dubai have eight members each, Sharjah and Ras al Khaimah six, and Ajman, Fujairah and Umm Al Quwain have four.
They bring Emirati issues to the council for debate and put those concerns to ministers summoned for questioning.
The FNC’s main functions include passing, amending or rejecting federal draft laws, discussing international treaties and agreements, and offering recommendations on general subjects raised during sessions.
Federal draft laws must first pass through the FNC for recommendations when members can amend the laws to suit the needs of citizens. The draft laws are then forwarded to the Cabinet for consideration and approval.
Since 2006, half of the members have been elected by UAE citizens to serve four-year terms and the other half are appointed by the Ruler’s Courts of the seven emirates.
In the 2015 elections, 78 of the 252 candidates were women. Women also represented 48 per cent of all voters and 67 per cent of the voters were under the age of 40.
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