Damien Traille confirms he wasn’t expecting a place in France’s squad for Rugby World Cup final game
France international Rugby Union player, Damien Traille, has confirmed that he was not expecting to be named in France’s match-day 22 for their biggest game of the year. Earlier, Traille was
named in France’s squad for their 2011 Rugby World Cup’s (RWC) final game against the tournament hosts and world number 1, All Blacks.
All Blacks will host the Les Blues at Eden Park, Auckland on Sunday, October 23. Traille was dropped from the Les Blues match-day squads, following their 37 – 17 defeat, which they suffered
from All Blacks in their third Pool A match of the tournament.
Commenting on his inclusion in the squad, Traille said, “It was a big surprise to me when they named the replacements. I even thought it was an error when they read my name out.” He added
that he was not expecting to be named in the squad, particularly after the coach has told the complete squad that he will not bring in any changes after their quarter-final win over England.
Traille added that he was disappointed after being left out of the France’s squad, which resulted on him in seeing his team to progress through to the finals and not playing any part in it.
Recalling his previous All Blacks game, which cost him a place in the match day 22, Traille said, “I went through a lot of (emotions), disappointment after coming off at half-time against the
All Blacks and staying in the stands for so long.”
Traille has expressed his desire to take part in the final match and to play a role in the team’s success. He will start the bench from the bench. He expressed his concerned that he is not
aware about his role as the replacements can be made at any time and for any duration.
France’s head coach, Marc Lièvremont has defended his decision of playing Traille in the final. He termed Traille as a big game player and termed his selection in the team purely on merit.
Traille delivered a sensational performance in France upsetting victory over the All Blacks, in the quarterfinal of the 2007 RWC.
The 32-year-old Traille so far has played 85 tests for France and has scored 15 tries for them.
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