France a team in harmony, says cool ‘Rosbif’ Ellis

IF THERE are deep divisions and rumblings of rebellion running through the French camp at the Rugby World Cup, it is news to the squad’s defence guru, Dave Ellis.

Reports about rifts between France coach Marc Lièvremont and his players have been rife in the French media since before the tournament started, sparking fears of a meltdown like that suffered by the country’s team at last year’s soccer World Cup.

Englishman Ellis, the ‘Rosbif’ who has been helping organise the French defence for the last 12 years, said any putative uprisings had entirely escaped his notice.