Will France coach Marc Lievremont opt for a more direct approach in this year's Championship? © Getty Images

For the first time since he took charge of the French squad, Marc Lièvremont has announced that the goal this year is to win, not only the Championship, but a Grand Slam. And obviously, in order to deliver, he is ready to change his plans.

Over the last two years he has made a habit of saying that the most important thing was to have a game plan, to build on your own strategy, not to rely on turnovers and 'French flair'. Now, with a line-up that could include Yannick Jauzion, Mathieu Bastareaud and Aurélien Rougerie I am not so sure not sure Les Bleus will be focusing on dummies and "artistic" plays.

The fastest way to the try line is straight forward. The fans might not be very happy with a system that will put aside a long tradition of passing centres and fast slim wingers, but if France wins the titlet, and maybe a Grand Slam, the same moaning fans will be the first to rejoice.

With players such as Damien Traille or Maxime Mermoz injured, Lièvremont is lucky enough to still be able not to select Toulouse stars Cédric Heymans, Yann David and Maxime Médard. The final cut for the 23 players list could even see wingers Vincent Clerc (Toulouse) and Julien Malzieu (Clermont) watch the first game against Scotland on TV. This would then see new wonder Benjamin Fall (Bayonne) start on the wing, while utility backs Fabrice Estebanez (both Brive) and Alexis Palisson could be on the bench, since they can cover all positions from 10 to 15.

French fans will be disappointed by at least on one, even before kick-off: Sébastien Chabal will not be in the squad after he had to withdraw because of his back, joining Romain Millo-Clusky in the long list of injuries. I'm not sure their substitutes (Julien Pierrre and Yohann Maestri) will attract as many non rugby fans as crowd-pleaser 'Seabass'. It seems that Lièvremont, whom everyone thought was a quiet and peaceful man-manager, is also a gambler. Either he is very confident, or he knows the fan expectations are very high, and he wants to put some pressure on his players.

Jean Palfrey