Writing in the New Zealand Herald, Peter Bills argues that Marc Lievremeont is starting to buckle under the weight of the controversy caused by his selection for Saturday's defeat by the All Blacks.
"Mon dieu! A French hissy fit from coach Marc Lievremont amid his spat with a French journalist during the post-match press conference at Eden Park after the crucial Rugby World Cup clash. Whatever next? A duel in the woods at dawn?
"Under pressure, Lievremont blew his top after his misfit side predictably tumbled to a five-tries-to-two defeat against the Rugby World Cup favourites.
"'Do you still believe you can win the World Cup?' Lievremont was asked by a French journalist. The coach snapped back 'You really annoy me with that question. We have just taken no points from this match and I have said we might not qualify. Is that enough for you?'
"As he left the press conference, the pair angrily eyeballed each other. Actually, it was more like handbags at three paces.
"Lievremont's flare-up was revealing about the amount of pressure he is under back in France after picking a below-strength team. France left out five of their top forwards and their first-choice No 10, playing Morgan Parra, a halfback, at first five-eighths."
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