Lievremont wants French focus

by Michelle Fortune , 10 October 2011

Marc Lievremont has called on his France side to build on their superb performance against England to ensure they progress to the World Cup final.


Reports of internal conflict have plagued France's campaign in New Zealand but they showed tremendous unity to overcome England and set up a semi-final against Wales at Eden Park.

Lievremont wants his squad to avoid all forms of distraction in the coming days so they turn up in Auckland focused on defeating Warren Gatland's side.

"History has shown that, after a tough win where anger and pride were shown, there has been a failure afterwards," Lievremont said. "I hope we manage to do it this time, though."

"The danger is to spend the week satisfying the media, the agents. The risk is to believe you've become a superb rugby player.

"But (against England) we were the same players as in Wellington (in the loss to Tonga), except we had grown some backbone."

Lievremont has been impressed with Wales throughout the tournament and he is in no doubt that they will provide a stern test at the weekend.

"I've seen all the Welsh games and they are in great form. They play great rugby - more complete than England - and the way they controlled Ireland was impressive," he added.

"Essentially, they are playing the same type of rugby as three years ago when they won the Grand Slam. They have mobile forwards and their backs have a great understanding."

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