France coach Philippe Saint-Andre hasn't been able to settle on any backline combinations © Getty Images

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Main Issues

France coach Philippe Saint-Andre will depart after the World Cup, but despite being in the job since 2012, he has struggled to work out his best XV. That is particularly true in the back line, where he has chopped and changed with only sporadic results. Heading into the World Cup, he is yet to decide on his best half-back partnership and to the chagrin of many has decided to jettison Camille Lopez in favour of Francois Trinh-Duc and Frederic Michalak.

Squad Strength

Saint-Andre has packed light for France's camp at the national training centre in Marcoussis, naming just 36 players. That means that barring injury, only five of those named last month will miss out on the tournament itself, and has led to some surprise exclusions, including Teddy Thomas, Maxime Mermoz and Maxime Machenaud, as well as Lopez. Time will tell if overlooking those players proves the right decision, but their replacements have not set French pulses racing.

Injury Concerns

Jules Plisson limped off in the 72nd minute of France's crazy Six Nations finale against England at Twickenham in March, with a shoulder injury that ultimately required surgery. The fly-half was not included in the provisional squad as he recovers, however, if he can prove his fitness before August 31, then a spot could yet be his. Saint-Andre will also be a nervous spectator of the Top 14 final between Clermont and Stade Francais on June 13, and will hope the likes of Wesley Fofana and Pasal Pape come through unscathed.

What are the locals saying

"In his choice, Philippe Saint-André has mostly taken landmark decisions in the backs. Despite a season disrupted by injuries, 'experienced' François Trinh-Duc and Frederic Michalak are part of the list. There is no Camille Lopez, who finally paid for a lacklustre 2015 Six Nations. This is the great absence from the group of 36." L'equipe