Dumas keeps the faith
FRANCEFrance gave the World Cup to Rugby League – but unfortunately for Treize XIII they have never managed to get their hands on the trophy.
One of the oldest rugby-league playing nations, the French have never quite managed to fulfil their rich potential, thanks in part to year-upon-year of attack from a union code that was professional in all but name for much of the 20th century.
After holding their own with the three international giants, Great Britain, Australia and New Zealand, during the early years of the game, France has fallen on such hard times it will be considered a minor triumph if they make it to the quarter-finals.
Of course, it was not always so. France contested the very first final – losing 16-12 in a play-off to Great Britain – and reached the 1968 showpiece, going down to Australia in Sydney.
But those days are long gone and a more realistic attitude now emanates from the Gallic camp.
That's not to say the French have no chance of reaching the last eight – they will enjoy home advantage during the group stages and their squad includes a number of players with Super League experience.
Halifax second rower Gael Tallec, Warrington back row forward Jerome Guisset and Huddersfield-Sheffield utility back Yacine Dekkiche will all provide the battle-hardened wisdom that could prove the difference between victory and defeat in what is likely to be an extremely tight group.
Victory against the Kumuls of Papua New Guinea in their opening game in Paris would boost French confidence immeasurably and could easily act as a springboard to reach the quarter-finals.
European rugby needs a strong French outfit – and a successful tournament for Gilles Dumas' side would be as big a tonic for the Northern Hemisphere as any outright victory for one of the home nations.