Rougerie: Likes a settled team

Lievremont has had a reputation for chopping and changing during his turbulent reign in charge of Les Bleus, but the threequarter line that starts this weekend is the one chosen for last Saturday's clash against New Zealand.

"Being consistent is a good thing for us," Clermont Auvergne centre Rougerie said.

"We are starting to gel and work well together, and it is vital."

It will be Rougerie's fourth successive World Cup start, and he added: "I had plenty of unwanted rest before the World Cup (due to injury), so I guess I can play two or three games in a row now.

"I am looking to achieve a performance, a personal improvement by becoming more powerful in defence and in attack."

Tonga still have an outside chance of reaching the last eight, although they would need to beat France in bonus-point fashion and prevent Les Bleus from collecting a losing bonus.

"The chances are it will be a loose game because the Tongans are also after a qualification spot, or even a third place in order to secure their berth in the next World Cup," said Rougerie.

At stake for the winners is a probable last-eight appointment with England in Auckland tomorrow week.