Fabien Galthie - veteran skipper inspires France

By WYNNE GRAY

If there is one team in world rugby who require more captaincy expertise than others, it may be France.

Unless the skipper is an automatic selection, with his own game in top order and his backbone cast in steel, fluctuations of form and temperament can quickly divide the Tricolors.

They can unravel almost as quickly as they hit the turbo to waste the All Blacks in their 1999 semifinal.

Fabien Galthie, one of the smallest men in the French squad, has the biggest assignment for his team at the Cup.

He must deliver the instructions from coach Bernard Laporte and weld the team's approach to their undoubted talent.

The clever halfback was a huge part of France's drive to the last Cup final, and injuries apart, he has been favoured by Laporte as his skipper.

His form has justified that promotion, but he was stunned when he was chosen as the IRB player of the year last season.

That reaction, observers say, showed some of Galthie's modesty and humility, traits which endeared him to his national coach.

He is about as low-key as a Frenchman can be, but his calmness exudes authority and drew him into partnership with Laporte.

The 34-year-old brings a compelling package of experience, talent and direction to his side.

They are inspired by a man about to embark on his fourth World Cup campaign.

He is the glue in the hub of the side.

It has been a tenacious journey for the halfback, who wore the nation's wrath after defeat in their 1991 World Cup quarter-final and then missed initial selections for the 1995 and 1999 tournaments.

He was a late replacement through injury at both events, but inspired France in their epic semi against the All Blacks four years ago.

An angular, rather than nuggety halfback, Galthie mixes his game cleverly, interspersing his strong passing gifts with subtle chip-kicks and questioning runs round the fringes.

Mix that in with his leadership and his importance to France is underlined.

Galthie has now recovered from a run of leg injuries during the Six Nations competition and is seen as the talisman if France are finally to claim their first world title.

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