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Thu 5 Mar 2015 | 12:10
Mathieu Bastareaud's physical impact on the 2015 Six Nations so far

9
Comments

There is no doubt that when you're 6ft tall and weigh 18 stone, you are going to make an impression on the midfield. French centre Mathieu Bastareaud has done just that during this year's Championship, so here is a quick look at some of his best moments.

Despite France not doing too well so far this Six Nations, one thing is for certain - if you are going to try and tackle Bastareaud, you might want to bring a friend as well.

The big, 26-year-old Toulon centre has made it known in recent weeks that he isn't happy with France's performances as of late, saying recently:

"I have been through that before and it is not nice, but we have to put ourselves in the fans' shoes. We arrive every time with plenty of promise but then we are not winning matches."

France lost last weeks game to Wales 20-13, leaving them 4th in this year's table so far, with their only victory coming against Scotland, who they beat 15-8 at home.

France themselves know they have a big game facing them in a few weeks time against Italy, a team who will be brimming with confidence following their victory over Scotland at Murrayfield.

Whilst we can't call who will win in Rome, one thing is certain - Bastareaud will be there to punch holes in the midfield! See some of his better carries, tackles and turnovers in this quick compilation.

View more of bruising Bastareaud in action in the Related Posts below the video

Posted By: harrisonmead

9 Comments

  • marty
    1:37 AM 11/03/2015

    The thing is that Fofana seems to have lost his mojo and Bastareaud is alone in the middle. French wingers never get quality ball. Would it be better with another partnership in the centers? Can the fullback join more in the attack? Or the problem lies elsewhere with poor strategic decision or coaching. Seriously, i'm going to say it again on this forum, PSA's reign as French coach is not glorious. Really hope things get better for RWC, because french fans deserve better rugby.

  • moqxo
    5:11 PM 08/03/2015

    While Bastareaud's style can be argued, it is undeniable that he has improved his game a lot, and is realizing his potential since he joined Toulon. I think we have to have him on the field and have his fullback/wings adapting to him. As an example that swift offload, hand to hand for Guitoune at the end of the game against wales was a wonder.

    Associated with a playmaker first center, this can be very interesting, and we might have a quite decent pair to compete with the other teams. With current injuries it would probably be Mermoz, but I guess Dumoulin could bring more.

  • drg
    6:11 PM 07/03/2015

    I just feel like the French centre partnership offers nothing...

    Canadian content with 'all power no finesse' sort of sums it up.

    To me Bastareaud is not quick enough to use his size like a 'Lomu' or even a Tuilagi.. he's a bit lumbering and in my opinion, yes he might run over my centre (or me) one on one, but throw someone around his legs and around his top and he goes down like a ton of bricks and there is no one there to support him, or the French do not appear to capitalise on his progress up the field.

  • 3:50 AM 07/03/2015

    Agreed, all power no finesse in that partnership

  • hanji
    10:15 AM 06/03/2015

    Looking at how Bastareaud gets used I can't help but feel France having two centres who never pass uses neither of them properly.

    Bastareaud plays much better with Matt Giteau inside him. Fofana is a devestating strike runner not a playmaker.

  • felipeg
    9:55 AM 06/03/2015

    I don't like him much, but I think he's clearly one of the best french on the field this year. The problem with Bastareaud, it's not Bastardeau, it's the way others play around him. Looks like he s the only one with a bit of self confidence. After Ireland s game, PSA said that the plan was to send the battering ram a couple of times in the beginning of the match, then use it as a red herring. It wasnt PSA who decided to go on sending Bastareaud straight ahead, but the other players, mainly Lopez.
    Appreciate this article because I mainly read criticism about him and I think it's not fair.

  • 3:18 AM 06/03/2015

    Underrated player. Has worked hard on his game

  • marty
    11:27 PM 05/03/2015

    Got to give him credit, he's a big man. But how many offloads we see from him in this clip? Some could argue no one's running supporting lines around him on this year's french team. Big hitter, but it seems he cannot keep the play alive after his barnstorming runs. Also, defensively, especially against Ireland, most of his big hits were on Sexton. Watch full game of him, he's not so quick to get to the line. He could be putted in a much better environnement, just watch him play with Toulon, but this French under PSA is just sad to watch.

  • finedisregard
    4:47 PM 05/03/2015

    If Bastareaud got his head screwed on straight he could be the best centre in the world.

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