Marc Lievremont defends controversial selection

Marc Lievremont has defended his controversial team selection for France's clash with New Zealand tomorrow (Saturday).

The France coach picked two scrum-halves for his half-back pairing, prompting some rugby journalists in New Zealand to claim that Lievremont was deliberately trying to throw the match with a weak team.

A second-place finish in Pool A would ensure that France avoid Tri-Nations sides in the quarter-final stages.

However, Lievremont has defended his choices, and insists that his only intention is to win in Auckland.

"I am starting to be immune to it all to be honest," he said of the criticism in the New Zealand press.

"But as some have cried scandal, I would like to reassure New Zealand fans who are planning to be at the match that in my team selection and in the minds of my players there has never been the idea of not trying to win this match."

Lievremont will leave his role as France coach after the tournament, to be replaced by Philippe Saint-Andre.