NICK CAIN

The main factor in France being edged out by South Africa in last weekend’s quarter-final classic was that there was a drop-off after key players Uini Atonio, Greg Alldritt, Charles Ollivon, and brilliant hooker Peato Mauvaka were subbed-off in the second-half.
They all looked as if they had gas in the tank, and the French bench could not match their output.

Another questionable decision in a match requiring maximum breakdown impact was the exclusion of the best wing turn-over specialist in the world, Gabin Villiere, for the less abrasive youngster, Louis Bielle-Biarrey.

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