Rugby World Cup: Thierry Dusautoir says France squad is together amid talk of unrest
Friday 16 October 2015 15:41, UK
Thierry Dusautoir says there are no issues in the France squad and confirmed that coach Philippe Saint-Andre remains in charge.
There has been talk of player unrest within the camp on the eve of their World Cup quarter-final against New Zealand at Cardiff's Millennium Stadium.
French website L'Obs Sport reported that players had ostracised head coach Saint-Andre since the team lost 24-9 to Ireland last weekend to finish second in Pool D and up against the All Blacks in the last eight.
But team captain Dusautoir said: "We're still together until the end of the competition; players, coaches, medical staff.
"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."
The report by L'Obs Sport was picked up widely in the media and stirred up memories of 2011, when coach Marc Lievremont fell out with his players en route to the final, where they were edged out 8-7 by New Zealand.
Dusautoir, who was in the 2011 team, preferred to focus on the job in hand and what is sure to be a demanding rematch in Cardiff.
"What's really important now is what we're going to do tomorrow," he said. "When you play New Zealand you're playing one of the best teams in the world and it's always a challenge.
"It's not just me, it's always something special to play against New Zealand. The French and the All Blacks have a special history together.
"I hope we write a new chapter on Saturday."
