24 Nov 2009

France's rugby progress could go up in smoke against All Blacks warns coach

6:53 am on 24 November 2009

France's rugby coach Marc Lievremont warns his side's recent progress could "go up in smoke" if they lose to the All Blacks in Marseille this weekend.

France have beaten both the world champions South Africa and the All Blacks this year, but

Lievremont believes the All Blacks have a much more stable team than they did in June when France enjoyed an historic 27-22 win in Dunedin, before going down 14-10 in Wellington.

France have lost their centre Maxime Mermoz with a thigh muscle injury and his replacement the Toulouse winger Cedric Heymans.