Can Brunel change French dynamic in five weeks?

French rugby president Bernard Laporte has asked Jacques Brunel to “create a new dynamic” for French rugby just five weeks ahead of the Six Nations opener with Ireland in Paris on February 3.

But there remains some disquiet in France that it is Laporte himself who wields too much influence on the dynamics around Les Bleus.

Laporte yesterday revealed the historic decision to dispense with the services of Guy Noves, the first time the French federation has sacked a head coach. And Laporte has opted for former Italy boss Jacques Brunel in Noves’ place. Brunel (63) will leave his current role as Bordeaux Begles coach after Saturday’s Top 14 clash with Stade Francais.