POOL A: FRANCE COACH Marc Lievremont sprang a major surprise by handing Morgan Parra a rare start at outhalf for this weekend's pivotal Pool A clash against New Zealand.
Parra, nicknamed the “little general”, switches from his normal scrumhalf position to replace François Trinh-Duc, who drops to the bench, after an impressive kicking display in the 46-19 win over Canada on Sunday.
“My deliberations were long,” said Lievremont. “The decision over the halfbacks has not been easy but François Trinh-Duc has paid the price a bit for his two only partially successful displays.
“Morgan Parra has taken his place and done well twice. At a certain point you have to make a choice. I am now waiting for a response from François, certainly (when he comes on) during the game on Saturday.”
Parra played at outhalf for the last quarter of both previous pool matches as France finally overcame stuttering starts to secure bonus point wins.
The 22-year-old said he was surprised at being handed the number 10 shirt and conceded it would be a challenge to play in an unfamiliar role against the tournament favourites.
“Yes it’s a bit tough but I’m just going to do the best that I can and not put any extra pressure on myself,” said Parra.
“It’s always exciting to play against the All Blacks, especially in their back yard. But it it is going to be a hard match.”
Dimitri Yachvili, who impressed with the boot in France’s opening victory against Japan, starts at scrumhalf but it remains unclear who will have kicking duties.
Lievremont, who rarely names the same team for successive matches, also reshuffled his pack for the encounter at Eden Park which is likely to decide the winner of the pool.
Captain Thierry Dusautoir returns to the side and joins Julien Bonnaire and Louis Picamoles in the backrow. Aurelien Rougerie moves into the centre, with Maxime Medard on the wing.
At hooker, Dimitri Szarzewski starts ahead of William Servat, while lock Lionel Nallet returns in place of Romain Millo-Chluski.
“It was a difficult team to select,” Lievremont added. “This is not a match like the others.
“I hope the players approach it with pleasure, passion and without pressure and bring honour to the shirt.”
Both Richie McCaw and Dan Carter, who withdrew from the All Blacks side to play Japan last Friday, are expected back. Hard-running number eight Kieran Read expects to return to full training next week and should be available for the All Blacks’ final pool game against Canada.
“The ankle is coming on really well and I had a good session today,” Read said yesterday.
FRANCE (v New Zealand): D Traille; V Clerc, A Rougerie, M Mermoz, M Medard; M Parra, D Yachvili; J-B Poux, D Szarzewski, L Ducalcon; P Pape, L Nallet; T Dusautour (capt), J Bonnaire, L Picamoles. Replacements: W Servat, F Barcella, J Pierre, I Harinordoquy, F Trinh-Duc, F Estebanez, C Heymans.
