PLAYER PROFILE

BENOIT BABY

The sublime Yannick Jauzion has struggled to find a consistent partner in the French midfield. Now that Benoit Baby has found his fitness, his form, and himself after two years in the rugby wilderness, he could be the man

MILLION DOLLAR BABY

Les Bleus have won six of the last
12 Six Nations Championships, four of them Grand Slams, but

last season they finished in third
place – their lowest position for six years. They showed flashes of the French rugby the world has become accustomed to, but they never found the famous rhythm that has so often risen to a crescendo
at tournament time.

New coach Marc Lievremont came under criticism for his team selections from some quarters and was accused of disrespect as he used 53 different players in his first seven games at the helm. France will be hoping to find some continuity this year if they are, once again, to become kings of Europe.

They have an impressive mix of youth and experience but lack a spark

to bring them to life and recapture
the glorious, direct rugby that has been dormant for too long. In November, a fine relationship blossomed between Yannick Jauzion and Benoit Baby – the deft hands and quick feet of Baby and the powerful Jauzion striking unstoppable angles at full tilt. Their interchangeability is testament to their natural skills as blessed rugby players and a real asset for Lievremont.

In 2005, 21-year-old Baby reached both the summit and the nadir of his short-lived international career during eighty minutes against Ireland. Depleted through injury, and rocking from a 24-18 home defeat at the hands of Wales, Baby was called up for his debut in France’s penultimate Six Nations match.

Half an hour in, his quicksilver hands were the catalyst for Christophe Dominici’s first try before he crossed the whitewash himself minutes later. Yannick Nyanga had stolen the ball at the Irish lineout and Baby received it just inside his own half. Spotting a chink in Ireland’s armour, he showed them the soles of his boots with convincing audacity.

He left with the man of the match award and Brian O’Driscoll’s shirt thanks to a personal post match delivery, despite head butting the centre during the second half. Baby was cited and banned for a month to leave a sour taste to what was a fantastic debut.

He missed the victory in Rome and had to wait several months to don �

Revitalised centre Benoit Baby could be the missing link in the French backline

CLASSIC SPORTS SERIES / 43