France coach Philippe Saint-Andre has expressed his regret at the last-minute decision to call off his team's Six Nations match with Ireland.
The eagerly anticipated clash between 2011 World Cup finalists France and their Irish visitors was postponed less than 10 minutes before it was scheduled to start on Saturday night.
The surface at the Stade de France passed several inspections throughout the day, but a final, late analysis saw referee Dave Pearson deem some areas of the pitch to have frozen.
The late announcement of the decision was met with a chorus of boos from a capacity crowd at the French national stadium in Paris, and Saint-Andre was among those disappointed the match did not go ahead.
"We are sorry - we were ready to play and we had one more rest day than the Irish so we really wanted to play," he said.
"But we must respect the decision of the referee and wait to find out from the organisers when the match will take place."
"We would prefer to play next weekend because if it's in three weeks, we would have to play four matches in quick succession. For the players, their intensity and also thinking of their family life, for them to spend time with their wives and children."
Ireland coach Declan Kidney acknowledged the difficulty of the position match official Pearson found himself in.
"The referee has to make the decision which is very tough on one person but I think in fairness to him he has made the right one," he said.
"It was quite dangerous in one corner. The way the protocol is there is nothing you can do but prepare for the game so the lads are fairly pumped up in the dressing room and ready for a game."
"It's going to be a new experience for them to get rid of all the energy that is in them."
Six Nations officials have confirmed the match will be staged during one of the tournament's break weekends, either February 18 and 19 or March 3 and 4.
The finger-pointing started soon after, with the French Rugby Federation highlighting Pearson's role while Six Nations stressed it was the official's decision alone.
A shambolic situation was made worse when a Six Nations official refused to answer questions on what had occurred beyond reading a statement at a hastily-convened press conference.
"The match was cancelled following the advice of the referee Mr Pearson. He inspected it yesterday and all was fine," read the statement.
"He inspected again today at 7pm and it was still fine but when he inspected it just a few minutes before kick-off, he found the pitch was frozen in a few areas.
"He ruled that it was dangerous and this is why it was postponed.
"It is very important to let fans know to keep their tickets and they will be valid for the game when we have a new date.
"The rule is the game will be played in a weekend when no games are planned, so either next weekend or in three weekends' time."
Pearson was absent from the press conference and FFR president Pierre Camou left little doubt over who he felt was responsible for the chaotic scenes.
"It's very sad. I don't understand why the referee has not shown up," said Camou.
"I am worried that two hours before kick-off everything seemed fine. I'm thinking of all the fans