French coach Marc Lievremont cautions his team before Wales match-up
The head coach of France, Marc Lievremont, has cautioned his side to be careful about their upcoming semi-final of Rugby World Cup 2011 against Wales. French team will take on Wales in the first semi-final of the world showpiece on October 15, after defeating
the spirited English side in the quarter-final. However, the coach asked his side to be focused on their next encounter as the Welsh players are in a good nick at the moment. Lievremont told the media on October 10 that the way the Welsh side played against
the Irish was a disciplined and impressive show.
Lievremont’s men displayed an excellent performance in their first hurdle of knock-out stages after they cut a sorry figure against the associated nation side Tonga on October 1. France has managed to secure their semi-final berth after struggling through
the tournament.
They won only two matches out of four group outgoings and even surrendered before the meagre side from Tonga in their last Pool match and faced severe criticism from local and international media. Their head coach once lost his temperament while responding
to a journalists’ question, after an uncharacteristicly low output in the initial stages.
However, Lievremont’s side bounced back by thumping England by 19-12 on Saturday October 8, and stunned their critics. However, the French boss is now wary of a Welsh side that is looking dangerous. Expressing his concerns about the motivated Wales squad
he said that, “I've seen all the Welsh games and they are in great form," he said. "They play great rugby - more complete than England - and the way they controlled Ireland was impressive. They have mobile forwards and their backs have a great understanding.”
While cautioning his side after an impressive victory against England he said that, “History has shown that, after a tough win where anger and pride were shown, there has been a failure afterwards. I hope we manage to do it this time, though.”
France will take on Wales in the semi-final of Rugby World Cup 2011 on October 15 in Eden Park, Auckland.
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