Laporte - feeling the pressure. (Getty Images)

By Duncan Bech, PA Sport

Time is running out for Bernard Laporte.

France's humiliating semi-final exit from the World Cup seemed to signal the end of his international coaching career but the former Stade Francais boss managed to escape the axe.

A disappointing Six Nations would almost certainly bring down the curtain on his time in charge of France, however.

Painful memories of the 24-7 defeat by bitter enemies England in Sydney will be hard to be hard to erase.

France blazed a trail to the semis after coasting through a simple group stage and then disposed of Ireland in ruthless fashion, setting up a mouth-watering clash with Sir Clive Woodward's men. But the match ended in disaster as England adapted superbly to the heavy rain and did a spectacular number on France.

Les Bleus' tournament exit followed hot on heels of their Grand Slam surrender to England in the 2003 Six Nations as Woodward finally claimed his first clean sweep of European scalps.

The previous tournament had seen France reign supreme, prompting optimism that Laporte was moving in the right direction. Tactical alterations proved successful initially as a more direct game was introduced, with a powerful pack securing quality possession for some equally strong-running backs.

France's sloppy discipline also improved as Laporte taught his charges to keep their combustible tempers in check.

But there was criticism last year that natural French flair was being coached out of the team in favour of a more structured game.

This may be correct, but Laporte's biggest problem is that his career has been soured by inconsistency and it is hard to believe the French Rugby Union will suffer another season of underachievement.