France head coach Fabien Galthié has built a team on the verge of a Six Nations grand slam, but his abrasive style has alienated many. Last week, he invited philosopher Charles Pépin to address the squad before their win in Cardiff, asking: 'What is a beautiful team? Is it ultimately nothing more mysterious than a sum of talents? Or is it something more?'
Galthié's perfectionism verges on obsession, according to players. At half-time against Wales, he singled out No 8 Grégory Aldritt for blame in front of teammates, despite a 10-9 lead. Former Stade Francais wing Raphaël Poulain once told him: 'Humanely, you are worthless. You rip up your players like a dog feeding on scraps of meat.'
Yet the method is working. France have outstanding carriers in the pack, matchwinners in the backline, a strong kicking game and an ever-present running threat. Their lack of discernible weaknesses has them on the brink of a first clean sweep since 2010.
The contrast with England coach Eddie Jones is stark. Jones has suggested the game is merely an acclimatisation exercise for the next World Cup, while Galthié's side fear only their own complacency. As forward François Cros urged in Cardiff: 'Six weeks together, we don’t fuck it up now.'
