French national rugby union squad members training in Marcoussis. Photo / Reuters
MARCOUSSIS - Whatever happens in the last Pool D games on Sunday, France must leave their Marcoussis training camp and, after a stay of more than two months, the removal is not an easy task.
"Since yesterday, we are all deep in bags and cardboard boxes," first five-eighths
David Skrela told reporters on Friday.
"We know that we shall not come back to Marcoussis but we are leaving our cocoon with pleasure because there is a quarter-final in sight."
Depending on the mind-boggling calculations surrounding the outcomes of Sunday's matches of France against Georgia (1300) and Argentina against Ireland (1500), France could play a quarter-final in Cardiff against New Zealand or in Paris against Scotland or Italy. An unlikely defeat by Georgia could send them home altogether.
The rules state that teams must stay in a hotel in the city which will host their knockout games.
If they stay in Paris, the French will be allowed to train but not to stay at Marcoussis.
With the French travelling to Marseille on Saturday, all their belongings were to be packed by Friday evening.
"It's a real shambles. I'm not too messy but still," Skrela said. "I think (flanker) Yannick Nyanga, is the messiest of us all. When you go to his bedroom, you have to move everything aside to reach his bed," he added.
Fullback Clement Poitrenaud admitted having a lump in his throat.
"I share the room with Fred (Frederic Michalak). We hung lucky charms and photos all over our bedroom. There is Fred's guitar, the two computers, video games. We can't keep all our belongings but don't worry we are not going to get depressed."
- AFP
