World Cup: France look to bounce back

Updated 12.24 Sat Sep 08 2007

Keywords: Ireland, rugby, World Cup, France, Bernard Laporte, sport

Bernard Laporte has insisted that France can "still play a key role" in the World Cup.

This is despite the hosts' shock 17-12 defeat at the hands of Argentina in the opening match of the tournament in Paris.

"We won't let our heads drop - France will still play a key role in this World Cup. We were fragile, and we couldn't cope with the pressure" - Bernard Laporte

But if Les Bleus are to be crowned world champions for the first time, they will have to make tournament history as no team has ever won the competition after losing the opening match.

Laporte said after seeing Ignacio Corleto run home a try for the Pumas and Felipe Contepomi kick four penalties: "At least we got a losing bonus point.

"We won't let our heads drop - France will still play a key role in this World Cup. We were fragile, and we couldn't cope with the pressure."

The French must now win their pivotal Pool D clash with Ireland at the Stade de France on September 21 to avoid the embrassment of early elimination from the tournament.

Captain Raphael Ibanez admitted: "It's a big, big disappointment for the whole team. But we still have three games to go in this group, and we will have to work even harder.

"The expectation on us for this first game was enormous, and we weren't tough enough to deal with that."