France - failed to handle conditions. (Getty Images)

By Isabelle Rondeau, PA International, Paris

After the death of France's World Cup dream came the inquest as the country's rugby writers blamed a collective failure to adapt to the conditions and England's combative style of play for Sunday's semi-final defeat.

In the wake of the 24-7 loss, there was a unanimous view that France had let themselves down at Sydney's Telstra Stadium.

Here is what the French newspapers were saying on Monday morning:

L'EQUIPE: From winning the ball to their mastering of the climate, the English team transformed itself into a giant iron hand which held their rivals' shoulders. France became so frail that they were unable to cope with the pressure of the event. England have earned the right to represent the northern hemisphere in the final. On Sunday, we realised that rugby, at that level, is a fighting sport which requires control and authority. The indisciplined French pupils got their knuckles rapped by their English masters. And it hurt.

LE PARISIEN: The French had arrived in Australia under the sunshine and full of determination, but their ship let water in on Sunday. Overwhelmed by a fearless English side, 'Les Bleus' never managed to challenge Jonny Wilkinson's supremacy, nor his courageous team-mates. Bernard Laporte and his players had been dreaming of this World Cup for four years, but the result splashed into their faces. Making repetitive mistakes and lacking control in the game, France failed on D-Day.

LE MONDE: France were defeated by a strong English team who managed to take smart advantage of the weather conditions. English rain, English game, English penalties and thus English victory. 'Les Bleus' suffered a cruel defeat and will not be part of the World Cup final after being tremendously dominated by the English, so sure of their game. Bogged down by the English forwards, clumsy in all their attempts to set the pace, France gave their worst performance since the competition started. They lost all the way.

LIBERATION<

The whole world saw the true face of England and above all their exceptional capacity to adapt to disastrous climatic conditions for a World Cup semi-final. We are not certain though whether rugby won in terms of promotion or reputation.