Laporte reveals Les Bleus twin goal

FRANCE coach Bernard Laporte has his sights set on glory in this year’s RBS 6 Nations before looking ahead to making the most of home advantage at the 2007 World Cup.

France’s impressive displays during their autumn programme, when they produced wins over Australia, Canada, Tonga and South Africa, have seen Les Bleus installed as favourites to win this year’s Six Nations.

But winning the Six Nations is not the only goal for Laporte.

The French coach also wants to create a squad capable of walking off with the next World Cup.

“The Six Nations is a great competition and we really want to win it,” said Laporte before outlining his plans for the future.

“We want to see as many players as possible before we finally decide.We want to win the tournament by lining up the best team. All the matches are important but we must be capable of establishing an almost definite 40-man (World Cup) squad by the autumn.”

France, who finished second last year behind Wales, will start their Six Nations campaign against Scotland at Murrayfield on February 5.

Fabien Pelous looks set to lead France in that match. The captain was included in Laporte’s squad having served his nine-week suspension for elbowing an Australian opponent during the November 5 Test in Marseille.

Winger Christophe Dominici and full-back Nicolas Brusque are also back in contention for a place in the side, while fly-half Benjamin Boyet is set for his debut.

Laporte added: “When naming the squad to face Scotland, we took into account the players who did well in November but also those who are playing well with their respective teams.

“We are also very happy to welcome back Fabien (Pelous) after he paid for his bad gesture.

“The good thing about his absence during November is that we realised we could play and win without him.

“But he remains our captain and we are proud of him.”