France coach Marc Lievremont has described Six Nations rugby as 'second-rate' compared to that of the southern hemisphere.
France ensured they wrapped up their Six Nations campaign on a high note with a stirring 28-9 defeat of Wales on Saturday, rebounding from the previous weekend's historic loss in Italy.
It was a disappointing championship tilt all round for Les Bleus, whose attempt to repeat their Grand Slam heroics of 2010 fell short with losses to the Italians and eventual champions England.
Lievremont, who accused his players of cowardice and betraying their country after the loss in Rome, did not mince words when asked if the Six Nations competition was not up the standard of the likes of Super 15 rugby.
"Certainly," Lievremont said.
"It is difficult to compare the two types of preparation, between that of the northern hemisphere and that of the southern hemisphere.
"They [the southern hemisphere players] spend six months together. They play half as much rugby as us.
"They are based in five franchises [Super Rugby] in each country who play the same style of rugby. That has always been the case, it is not a revelation.
"From time to time, we manage to match them, to beat them. The North is another type of rugby.
"One would have thought with the new rules we would have a game with more rhythm, with passing moves of longer length.
"But there are equally as many matches as the one on Saturday, which was a physical battle, with a huge amount revolving round the scrum, a kicking game and unpredictable bounces of the ball."
The coach, who will take France on a two-month training camp prior to the Rugby World Cup in New Zealand later this year, believes France will be the northern side to beat at the tournament.
"I am convinced that we will be ready physically, that the two months of preparation will allow us to evolve and to progress both technically and tactically," Lievremont said.
"In terms of becoming a cohesive unit - and that is perhaps the essential factor - we are going to take a huge step forward."
"We are without doubt the country that is going to benefit the most and make the most progress in these two months of preparations."