The relationship between the French team and their media is deteriorating.
The French prop Nicolas Mas was angered by the questions posed by the French press corps and abruptly walked out of a midweek press conference. He was asked a few general questions about France's poor display against Scotland.
Mas did not appreciate the tone of the media and grew surlier as the press conference continued. When asked why the pack wasn't as dominant as it had been in the past, he shot back "I don't know. You tell me."
There was another question, with arrived with a few sniggers.
At this point, Mas remarked "This is not funny." He then got up and left.
This would be a cause for greater optimism ahead of this Saturday's game were it not for the fact that the last time the French team and their media were at daggers drawn was during the Group stage of the last World Cup. We know how they responded then.
French losing it. Could be bad news for Ireland. Saw what happened at 2011 Rugby World Cup http://t.co/heojVYYhUX
— Mick Cleary (@MickClearyTel) March 11, 2014