Guy Noves excited to see France new-boy Virimi Vakatawa in action
Friday 5 February 2016 18:24, UK
Guy Noves launches his France coaching era on Saturday but he believes all eyes will be on Test newcomer Virimi Vakatawa at the Stade de France.
The Fiji-born sevens specialist is among four new caps selected for Les Bleus' Six Nations opener against Italy in Paris on Saturday
Centre Jonathan Danty, scrum-half Sebastien Bezy and lock Paul Jedrasiak make their international bows, but most of the attention this weekend will surround 23-year-old Vakatawa.
Former Toulouse boss Noves, who took over from Philippe Saint-Andre after last autumn's World Cup, is relishing seeing the winger in action.
"This is not a matter of chance, but a matter of choice," Noves told Six Nations official website.
"We can't know how things will go down on Saturday, but given the circumstances, Virimi's potential, the fact that he is a big prospect for the future, we want to see him in real game conditions rather than believing in him, hoping he could be great but never give him an opportunity.
"We know he has his shortcomings - he has yet to fully get a grip on his role - but the sooner we play him, the better."
France won the most recent of their five Six Nations titles in 2010, while the Saint-Andre reign ended with a crushing World Cup quarter-final loss to eventual winners New Zealand.
They kick off the tournament with successive home games against Italy and an injury-hit Ireland, which could work in Noves' favour.
"This is the start of something new," he said. "I don't want to wait three years to make some experiments.
"I don't have any experience at international level, but I do have some in the Top 14, and I know that when a young player has the potential to play, you need to have him play."
