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CARDIFF - The hero status of French rugby forward Sebastien Chabal has been questioned by All Blacks lock Chris Jack, who wonders what all the fuss is about.
Jack and Chabal are opposing reserve locks for Sunday morning's World Cup quarterfinal here.
The French will be hoping hard-charging Chabal can make an impact with the thunderous defence and tackle-busting that have become a trademark.
Nicknamed the "Caveman" because of his appearance - long hair and shaggy beard set on a chiselled visage - Chabal has developed a cult following.
However, Jack was happy to deflate the balloon of hype surrounding the hirsute Frenchman with a quick pin prick.
"The French see him as a bit of a hero and someone who stands out (but) for us he's just another player on the field," Jack said.
"I don't know, maybe he has a tag that's probably higher than his ability."
Perhaps sensing his comments would send Chabal into a frenzy at Millennium Stadium, Jack backtracked a touch, describing the 29-year-old from Sale as an "awesome" No 8.
"But I'm a little bit surprised to see him playing as a lock."
All Blacks starting lock Ali Williams was hit with a hail of questions today about Chabal.
Williams broke his jaw when attempting to tackle the Frenchman in the second test at Wellington in June, an incident that is played repeatedly on French television.
Upon landing in France last month, Williams feared he would be known as "the jaw guy" but was quick to bat away suggestions he would seek justice on Sunday.
"There's no individual battles between me and him. Why would there?" Williams asked.
"That's the past, it's a game of rugby.
"It's like anyone else who got injured in a tackle, do they go and seek him out for revenge?
"I wouldn't play the game if it was like that."
Among the many related questions was whether he would stare Chabal out in the players' tunnel before kickoff.
"I'll probably shake his hand," Williams replied.
- NZPA
