France coach blasts Fulgence Ouedraogo
France’s rugby union coach Marc Lievremont slammed Fulgence Ouedraogo for complaining publicly about being dropped from the
squad ahead of Saturday’s match against Argentina.
“It seems like the tantrum of a spoiled child,” said Lievremont to reporters on Tuesday 16 November.
"I didn't take it very well and I've made a point of telling him as much."
Ouedraogo had publicly lamented his fate after he’d been dropped from French side on Sunday, after Les Bleus had just come off an easy 34-12 win over Fiji.
"It's one of the biggest disappointments of my career," said Ouedraogo at the time. "I really had my heart set on this game in Montpellier. I end my week in Blue immensely frustrated. I've got the feeling
that as soon as the level rises, the staff don't have confidence in me."
Rugby union sides consistently cycle players in and out of the line-up depending on the level of competition their team is facing, to try out new combinations of players, or simply give tired and bruised
bodies a rest.
The last time the Pumas and France squared off, it was a stunning and humiliating 41-13 defeat for France, who were carrying the mantle of European Rugby after having won the Six Nations tournament.
Lievremont said that Ouedraogo was actually the team’s best forward against Fiji, but it was simply a matter of shaking things up.
"We wanted to rotate [the roster]," explained Lievremont. "[Julien] Bonnaire and [Thierry] Dusautoir needed a break having played in the European Cup. We're also looking for combinations. We're spoilt for
choice in the back row.”
Lievermont finished with a warning for other players who might take to complaining about losing their starting place in the squad, as France gets set to take on powerhouse Australia on 27 November after Argentina.
"I understand his disappointment, but the players have to be careful. We've got a group to manage.”
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