Philippe Saint-Andre keeps stars on their toes

Pool D: France v Canada

Philippe Saint-Andre has said that the world will not be privy to another of the tongue-lashings he delivered to his team during the break against Romania last week, but only because he will drag his players out of sight and into the showers if the need arises.

It would be comforting for Ireland were the French coach to blow his top again tonight in Milton Keynes though the impression is that, if nothing else, the scheduling is working in their favour ahead of the defining meeting with Ireland on Sunday week.