French outlet L’obs Sport is reporting that the players have “discreetly dismissed” the coach mid-tournament after the players had grown tired of his “lack of charisma”. “We’ve made a decision to start him and we’re counting on his leadership skills, especially with the forwards”, said Saint-Andre, still smarting from last weekend’s comprehensive 24-9 defeat by Ireland.
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“We started as a team and want to continue as a team”, he added, “we’re still together until the end of the competition, players, coaches, medical staff”.
However, Dusautoir claimed to not understand “what everyone is talking about” when asked about the reports on Friday’s press conference at Celtic Manor.
France coach Philippe Saint-Andre says his side must confront New Zealand head on in their World Cup quarter-final.
“I don’t know where this article is coming from… we’re preparing for this game as a team and with all the boys and all the coaches and the manager”.
It’s reported senior members of the squad took over the team selection for the New Zealand game.
He wasn’t entirely convincing but composed France captain Thierry Dusautoir pulled his best poker face and downplayed claims of another player-led revolt.
“Some go for the match against the All Blacks with leaden feet, already beaten”, it said. Marc Lievremont was sidelined by the players with veteran No. 8 Imanol Harinordoquy later admitting: “After the defeat against Tonga [in the 2011 pool stages], I did not attach too much importance to what Marc said”.
France have failed a top half finish in the Six Nations in the four years Saint-Andre has been in charge.
“It is always a big challenge to play New Zealand but we have prepared ourselves for it”. “It’s my last chance to play against a master like him”.
“It’s also really special to play against New Zealand”.
Amidst mounting tensions, Hansen said there are great relations between France and New Zealand “apart from the Rainbow Warrior” – the notorious sinking of the Greenpeace flagship by French agents in 1985.
“What interests me most is getting through this round”.
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“If there’s not an uprising for this match, you must change sport”, the coach said in warning to his players.
