World Cup in Brief: Parra moves to No 10 in reshuffle

France coach Marc Lièvremont has challenged fly-half Francois Trinh-Duc to raise his game at the Rugby World Cup or risk losing his place later on in the tournament.

Trinh-Duc was dropped and replaced by scrum-half Morgan Parra in the side to play New Zealand on Saturday at Eden Park, even though Parra has never started a match at No 10 for France.

“I’m waiting for Francois to show me he is a competitor,” Lièvremont said yesterday.

France also rejected suggestions they would do anything but strive to win their match against New Zealand on Saturday, despite having less incentive to top Pool A.

Ireland's win over Australia means a loss for France at Eden Park would potentially mean an easier path in the knockout rounds. "Are we saying we should lose to the All Blacks on purpose?" coach Marc Lièvremont said. "I don't think we will start these games thinking we want to lose, that's not an option."

Pumas yearn for Contepomi return

Argentina prop Martin Scelzo hopes captain and team talisman Felipe Contepomi is fit for Sunday's vital game with Scotland.

The fly-half suffered a rib injury in the opening loss against England, which means the Pumas must beat Scotland to have any hope of progressing. "He's going to be fine and if not he has to be fine," said Scelzo, emphasising Contepomi's influence.