New coach Guy Noves unexcited by France's 6 Nations debut

New France coach Guy Noves claims he is not looking forward to his debut on the international bench at home to Italy in the Six Nations.

Noves took over the reins following France's ignominious World Cup exit in October and a record 62-13 quarter-final defeat to eventual winners New Zealand, after which Philippe Saint-Andre left the top coaching post.

But Toulouse legend Noves says he is too old to get excited about his chance to lead his country and would simply prefer more time to prepare.

"I can wait... I'm not a young debutant," Noves, 61, who guided Toulouse to four European Cup victories and 10 French titles, told AFP.

"I'd prefer to be three months out to be able to say that we've got more time to prepare for this match.

"We're trying to mobilise the players for this match and we'll try to meet the expectations of those who picked us."
France begin their Six Nations campaign at home to Italy at the Stade de France in Paris on February 6.

In four tournaments under Saint-Andre, Les Bleus never finished above fourth and even took the wooden spoon in 2013.

Noves has only had two days to work with a preliminary group of players -- the last two Mondays -- and will pick his 30-man squad for the first two Six Nations clashes -- the second takes place a week later against Ireland at the same venue -- on Tuesday.

"In the short term, what I'd like to see (from the players) is an attitude," added Noves, who will turn 62 the day before France play Italy.

"It's about giving your best from the first to the last minute, almost without worrying about the result, the points scored and conceded.
It's about taking to the pitch with one single desire: push your own machine to its extremes for 80 minutes. It's about showing the French public they can be proud of their team."

That was an emotion almost entirely absent during Saint-Andre's miserable four-year rein, in which his side never managed to beat the All Blacks, South Africa, Ireland or Wales.

Noves previously promised his side would produce spectacular rugby and the coach said that must be the aim, not just for entertainment value but because it's the best way to win.

"Of course I've heard how what I said was interpreted. I merely said that the last World Cup showed that the effective teams were also spectacular.

"They gave a very positive image of world rugby. Our ambition is to understand that that is the way the future of rugby is going.

"I believe that a rugby player takes enjoyment on a daily basis at training with his club and lives his sport in the right way.

"Once we trust him with the jersey emblazoned with the cockerel (the French emblem), his mission is to give pleasure to our supporters and partners."

Source; AFP