Thje decisions by Fabien Galthie and Raphael Ibanez to quit the international scene leaves Laporte without two veterans who have served their country with distinction.

The World Cup provided the old war-horses with their international swan song and Laporte admits they will be difficult to replace.

He said: Were in a rebuilding stage. Fabien and Raphael were very big players for us, they were very important.

That sort of experience is very hard to replace and we will miss them. "

Laporte also acknowledged that England have also lost a legend of the modern game in their captain Martin Johnson.

But England have injuries and of course Martin Johnson has retired - he was a great player and they will not be quite the same without him," added Les Bleus' trainer.

But they have so much depth that they will be able to replace him.