French duo surprised by call-ups
David Janin: Ready to prove you can teach an old dog new tricks
Bourgoin winger David Janin and Biarritz prop Benoit Lecouls have admitted their surprise to have received a first ever call-up for France ahead of Les Bleus' tour of Australia later this month.
The French duo were two of twelve previously uncapped players named in Marc Lièvremont's 26-man squad to travel to Australia at the end of June.
With the four big French clubs of Toulouse, Clermont, Paris and Perpignan all competing in the final games of the Top 14, Lièvremont has opted to bring in some new blood to the side.
But instead of opting for youth, players such as Janin, 31, and 30-year-old Lecouls have been given the nod, much to their own surprise.
"I knew I'd had a good season, but the surprise comes from the fact that I thought that the coaches were looking for youngsters and with me being 31, I didn't think I fitted that description too much," Janin told French newspaper L'Equipe.
"I'm very proud, and I hope to be able to live up to everyone's expectations."
His comments were echoed by Lecouls, who admitted that playing for the national side remains a target for any player regardless of their age.
"First of all I'm surprised. I wasn't expecting to be in the group," said Lecouls.
"The national side remains an important objective for all those who hope to play at the highest level and develop in the top clubs."
Janin went on to explain his lack of international experience meant that he was not too knowledgeable about their Australian opponents.
"Regarding the Australians, I can't say that I know much more than what I saw of them at the World Cup," he said.
"We know that physically they are very beefy, with a very physical style of play. We'll try to overcome this first challenge."
Still, Janin was quick to highlight where France needed to be at their best in order to get something out of the tour.
"What I do know is that France are best when they have a strong defence. In my opinion we need to be at our best in that area," said Janin.
"After that, we just need to score some tries and win."
France will play two Test matches in Australia on June 28 and July 5.