19 Sep 2011

France foxing but ABs expecting tough game

6:54 pm on 19 September 2011

The French rugby coach Marc Lievremont insists his side isn't setting out to throw this weekend's crunch pool match against New Zealand, to give them an easier path through to the World Cup final.

Lievremont wouldn't answer questions in English as he continues his bristly relationship with media and gave no clues whether France will name their strongest side for Saturday's Eden Park outing.

Through an interpreter Lievremont says whichever team is selected will try to win.

All Blacks assistant coach Wayne Smith was asked by a French journalist whether France may not want to win so they finish second in Pool A, but he says the French wouldn't want to have to beat Tonga in their final pool game.

Richie McCaw, Dan Carter, Mils Muliaina and Israel Dagg all trained today and Kieran Read is back running.