Party time: France celebrate their victory over Wales in Auckland

Before facing England in the quarter-final, the senior players rallied around, called a meeting and closed ranks but Lievremont insists this latest incident of player revolt will not upset the side’s preparations for a final against the All Blacks.

‘It has been my dream since childhood to play New Zealand in the final. The night out is incidental, it’s not that important,’ he said five minutes later, having seemingly calmed down. ‘It’s not a few sneaky cigarettes, the two or three beers they’re going to drink during the week or extra dessert they eat that will hamper them for the preparation of the final.’

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