14 Mar 2011

French coach writes off World Cup chances after Italy loss

7:57 am on 14 March 2011

France's rugby coach Marc Lievremont says he'll struggle to put together a squad for this year's World Cup, following their shock Six Nations loss to Italy at the weekend.

Lievremont says he'd promised a few of his squad they'd play in the World Cup, but after their shameful 22-21 loss to Italy he's back to square one.

The defending champions wind up their Six Nations programme this weekend against Wales, while Italy play Scotland.