France and England will meet on Saturday at the University of Bolton Stadium in the second group match of the Rugby League World Cup. Here is a look at three of the dangerous players for France who could feature against England.
English fans are no strangers to many of the French side, who have occupied their trade in Super League this season for Catalans Dragons and Toulouse.
Matthieu Laguerre has impressed so far and has the potential to develop into a very strong player.
Laguerre is a tricky centre who plays for the Catalans Dragons and has made 23 appearances over the past two season. During that time, he has scored a very impressive 14 tries for the Dragons.
The centre has three international appearances, with his debut coming last year when England made the trip over to the South of France. Laguerre has featured twice since, in which France have defeated Wales and Greece.
Laguerre could pose a threat to England on the edge if he is allowed space and he will need to be closed down.
Another dangerous player in the French side is Arthur Mourgue. The 23-year-old has developed a reputation as an exciting player and could play a big part in the future of French rugby.
Mourgue has made over 40 appearances for Catalans and received his first cap against Greece in the opening round of the Rugby League World Cup. Morgue scored against Greece, and he also converted seven goals during the opening game win.
Mourgue is a versatile player who can play in the halves or at full-back.
The Catalans player likes to take on the line and tries to exploit gaps in defences.
In the opening match, Mourgue’s half-back partner was Tony Gigot who has proved in his career that he is a dangerous player.
Gigot is a very experienced half-back who has shown his quality on many occasions. Gigot was named as the Lance Todd Trophy winner when Catalans lifted the Challenge Cup for the first time in their history.
The 31-year-old has made over 150 appearances in Super League in that time he has scored 46 tries. Gigot has also made 17 appearances for France. During this time, he has scored nine tries, which included a try in Doncaster on Monday during their victory over France.
The half-back will be the main kicker and he will try to be the main architect for England’s downfall.
Saturday’s match will kick-off at 5PM and will be shown live on BBC One.
