Robertson impressed with French credentials

'Cup is theirs to win'

All Blacks coach-in-waiting Scott Robertson has drawn inspiration from the achievements of France ahead of the Rugby World Cup to be staged in their country in September-October.

"The World Cup is theirs to win at home," he said. (See near end of YouTube clip)

"They've got the side to do it, it's playing under pressure that is the key."

Robertson said World Rugby Player of the Year Antonie Dupont had changed how rugby is played.

"How good is Dupont? The good thing Fabien [Galthié] has done is create a strong culture with a clear identity. The French know who they are and how they play.

"They are good under pressure. They've got good players right across all positions. They've got good depth.

"It's a special generation of French players, and they're well coached.

"Full respect to what they've achieved so far," he said.

Meanwhile, former Fiji coach and New Zealander Vern Cotter has been linked with a return to France.

Midi Olympique has reported that Cotter, a former Scotland and Clermont Auvergne coach from 2006-14, is in talks with Perpignan as a possible candidate to be their head coach next season.

Cotter quit his job with Fiji in January, having served three years in the role.