It’s not our B team, rails Harinordoquy

IMANOL HARINORDOQUY has mocked claims that France have deliberately selected a weakened team for Saturday’s big World Cup group clash with New Zealand.

The French have been heavily criticised in the local press, with coach Marc Lievremont accused of trying to engineer an easier route to the final by losing to the All Blacks.

Much of the discussion centres on the selection of Morgan Parra at fly-half for what will be his first Test start in the position, but Harinordoquy said: “People are saying this is a France B team but there is no such thing. There is only the France XV. We have changed our team for each of the two games in the World Cup so far and now the coach has made his choice for this game. The first choice is evolving.

“There is a polemic going on from certain sections of the press. Who are they to say what is the strongest French team? It is not their decision. This is a very strong French selection and I am disappointed not to make the XV.”

Of the 22 selected by Lievremont, 14 have finished on a winning side against New Zealand with six having beaten the All Blacks twice.

Meanwhile, New Zealand fly-half Dan Carter has been declared fully fit for the Eden Park tie.

Carter withdrew from the 83-7 victory over Japan with a back complaint and assistant coach Wayne Smith stated he was still not operating at 100%.

But yesterday forwards coach Steve Hansen revealed Carter is set to start the pivotal Pool A encounter.

“Yes, Dan’s 100% fit and ready to go. It’s great for the tournament, great for him and great for us,” Hansen said.

“He’s a great player and you want your great players, in all the sides, to be available to play.”

When questioned about the controversial French selection, Hansen insists it remains a strong XV.

“It’s a really good side and Lievremont has picked what he thinks is the best team for this game. We’ll treat them with the utmost respect, as we always do. We’re just preparing as if it’s the best French team that they could pick.”

Hansen insists the prospect of the All Blacks underperforming to manipulate a pool result is unthinkable.

“We’d get hung from the highest tree in New Zealand if we went out to lose a Test match. It’s just not in our psyche.”