Guilhem Guirado
Position: Hooker
Club: Montpelier
Age: 33
Jacques Brunel’s favoured captain, Guilhem
Guirado will have an important role to play for
France at this World Cup. With some longstanding
senior names ejected from the side, Guirado will
have to bring the best of his leadership to the table
if France are to play with cohesion and purpose in
Japan. If he can continue his impressive try scoring
form, that won’t hurt his side’s chances either.Damian Penaud
Position: Centre/Wing
Club: ASM Clermont Auvergne
Age: 22
22-year-old Damian Penaud has been in white-hot
form for club and country. A former France U20s
player and son of former French international Alain
Penaud, Penaud is one of the most exciting backs
in the northern hemisphere at the moment. Able to
operate creatively in the midfield as well as being a
deadly finisher on the wing, he will be an important
attacking outlet for France at this year’s World Cup.ONES TO WATCH
RUGBY WORLD CUP - TOP 10
46 • WWW.SCRUMMAGAZINE.COM • ISSUE 116 2019