The Six Nations is second division rugby compared to that of the southern hemisphere where the Super 15 franchises and the national sides play in the same manner, says France coach Marc Lievremont.

However, the 42-year-old believes that, despite a difficult Six Nations tournament for his side and for him personally, the French will be the northern hemisphere side to beat come the World Cup in New Zealand later this year.

France failed to repeat their Grand Slam exploits of last year - their first since 2004 - beaten by eventual champions England and suffering a humiliating and historic defeat at the hands of Italy.

But Lievremont - who accused his mem of cowardice and of betraying their country after the Italy loss - insisted coming out of the tournament with a convincing 28-9 win over Wales and with a two month training camp prior to the World Cup they could well be the team to be feared.

"Certainly," he said in answer to whether the Six Nations was second rate compared to the southern hemisphere rugby.

"It is difficult to compare the two types of preparation, between that of the northern hemisphere and that of the southern hemisphere.

"They (the southern hemisphere players) spend six months together. They play half as much rugby as us.

"They are based in five (Super) franchises in each country who play the same style of rugby. That has always been the case, it is not a revelation.

"From time to time, we manage to match them, to beat them.

"The North is also another type of rugby.

"One would have thought with the new rules we would have a game with more rhythm, with passing moves of longer length, but there are also equally as many matches as the one on Saturday (against Wales) which is a physical battle, with a huge amount revolving round the scrum, a kicking game and unpredictable bounces of the ball.

"I am convinced that we will be ready physically, that the two months of preparation will allow us to evolve and to progress both technically and tactically."

Lievremont, who was a member of the French side that lost to Australia in the 1999 World Cup final having experienced a terrible Five Nations prior to that, said he was having a devil of a time in choosing his final 30 players for the World Cup.

Last week he said several from the Italy match would never wear the national shirt again.

"The essential thing is that the players weren't caught napping a second time. That they reacted like men."

By dropping veteran centre Yannick Jauzion and icon Sebastien Chabal for the Wales game Lievremont would seemingly have ended their international careers.

The coach received the unqualified support of the federation last week despite being heavily criticised both by influential Toulouse manager Guy Noves and former players in the media.

"I have always managed to weather the storm.

"The harder the punches, the harder I punch back."

Brought to you by AAP © 2024 AAP