If we lose, life stops, says French manager Maso

FRENCH manager Jo Maso admitted last night that Sunday’s World Cup quarter final against Ireland is the game Les Bleus dare not lose.

“If we do, life stops,” he said. “Frankly we would prefer to play against Ireland in the quarter-finals than Australia, the title holders, at home,” Maso said.

Coach Bernard Laporte said he was also wary of the Irish, but claimed they were inconsistent. “Recently Ireland have been playing with a lot of desire and enthusiasm and, as usual, they never give up,” Laporte said.