We’re in ‘competition mode’, warn French

FRANCE coach Marc Lièvremont has thrown down the gauntlet to his players ahead of Saturday’s World Cup warm-up with Ireland in Bordeaux by declaring that Les Bleus are now in “competition mode”.

Powerful Biarritz Olympique No.8 Raphael Lafakia has been handed a first appearance in national colours after a hugely impressive Top 14 campaign while there is also the return of young Perpignan centre Maxime Mermoz to a side which shows only four survivors from France’s 25-22 win at the Aviva Stadium in February.

“We’re looking forward to it,” explained Lièvremont at the team announcement in Bordeaux yesterday.