French media are reporting Phillipe Saint-Andre has been pushed aside as coach of France just 48 hours before their Rugby World Cup quarter-final against the All Blacks in Cardiff.
French coach Phillippe Saint-Andre. Photo: Getty Images
The media outlet L'obs Sport says the players have taken over have taken over following their 24-9 loss to Ireland in the final pool match.
L'obs Sport suggests even the medical staff are giving their opinion on what should be done and the players don't know where to look.
A French media outlet asks in its headline: "is our team eating itself alive?" Photo: L'obs Sport
The report said the French team were sworn to observe a code of silence on the trouble inside the camp.
Saint-Andre was due to be replaced by former Toulouse coach Guy Noves at the end of the tournament.
It suggests players took over selection of the team for the New Zealand match leading to the recall of halfback Morgan Parra and the dropping of centre Mathieu Bastareaud.
"A large majority of the team complains about the lack of charisma of PSA [Philippe Saint-Andre]," the paper reports from a source "close to several players".
"They view him as a good guy, as a former great player but not as a leader of men. Some go for the match against the All Blacks with lead feet, already beaten."
A similar situation arose at the last world cup when France lost to the All Blacks in the final and Marc Lievremont was in charge.
Former France coach Marc Lievremont who suffered a player revolt at the 2011 RWC. Photo: Getty Images