France coach Marc Lievremont on Friday defending his team selection for the World Cup showdown match with the All Blacks saying it was a team chosen with the sole aim of winning.

His comments came after three days of jibes and counter-jibes over his selection which some here feel is not his strongest and an indication that the French would not be unhappy to lose the match.

That could mean they would be plunged into an easier half of the quarterfinals draw away from the three Tri-Nations sides - New Zealand, Australia and South Africa.

But Lievremont said he was tired of all the talk and he no longer paid any attention to what was being said.

"I am starting to be immune to it all to be honest," he said.

"If I was to get upset each time I read a story in the French press or in the New Zealand press - it's just not the case.

"But as some have cried scandal, I would like to reassure New Zealand fans who are planning to be at the match that in my team selection and in the minds of my players there has never been the idea of not trying to win this match."

Lievremont, who has been told his contract as coach will not be renewed after the World Cup, admitted that the task on hand at the All Blacks Eden Park citadel on Saturday would be enormous.

"New Zealand is certainly the best team in the world at the moment and beating them is always a huge exploit," he said.

French skipper Thierry Dusautoir meanwhile backed comments from his teammates earlier this week aimed at easing the pressure on the Six Nations side, who will start the Pool A match as distinct underdogs.

"There is no pressure on us for this match," the flank insisted.

"We are going to play against a legendary team in a legendary stadium. What can happen to us? What can go wrong for us?

"We need just to enjoy the moment, try as much as we can to get under their skin and to win."

AFP