One of France’s biggest assets for the World Cup is the depth of its roster, a big part of Coach Bernard Laporte’s management strategy. Several players can claim they will be part of the squad in the opening match against Argentina. Laporte is lucky to be able to pick among equivalent players for some positions, and his staff admits the third line will be brain-teaser. Everybody in France is eyeing Monday’s deadline when the 22-player roster will be announced. Until then, the French all have their own predictions, based on hints in the news and personal preference. During training, players wearing a yellow jersey are considered to be slightly ahead in the competition for starting spots.

Chabal fans might be upset because he could be on the bench when the World Cup kicks off. The yellow jersey indicator puts Cédric Heymans at n°15, which isn’t his usual position, but it was where he played superbly against Wales in the last warm-up match. Nevertheless, until Monday, and as the World Cup gets closer, the topic is hotly debated in the media and conversations.