Les Blues captain Thierry Dusautoir terms his Welsh counterpart Sam Warburton as very dangerous
France national Rugby Union team's Captain, Thierry Dusautoir, has termed his Welsh counterpart, Sam Warburton, as a very dangerous player on the field. Dusautoir made these comments on Friday, October 14, ahead of their 2011 Rugby World Cup’s (RWC) semi-final clash against Wales.
France made it to the semifinal following their impressive 19 – 12 victory over England. France will take on Wales on Saturday, October 15 at Eden Park, Auckland.
Commenting on Warburton, Dusautoir said, “He has been described as the Welsh (Heinrich) Brüssow or the Welsh (David) Pocock. He is very dangerous. He is a great player and has imposed himself to the international level in this tournament.”
Dusautoir has expressed his confidence that his side will secure a place in the final of the 2011 RWC. However, he was quick to acknowledge Wales capability to deliver the shocking result. Wales secured their place in the semi-finals after defeating the favourites of the match, Ireland, in their quarter-final encounter.
Dusautoir termed Wales a better side because of the fact that they have gradually progressed their way up in the tournament. He said, “They finished first in the toughest pool of this Rugby World Cup. They lost to South Africa by just one point and they eliminated Ireland. In these games they have set good standards, while we haven't.”
Wales started their 2011 RWC campaign with their opening encounter against the defending champions Springboks. Wales remained in control for most part of the game but Springboks managed to avert the upset as they made a strong recovery in the last 20 minutes of the game.
Saturday’s game is Wales first RWC’s semi-final outing since 1987. However, on the other hand this is France’s third consecutive RWC semi-final appearance. They lost to England in their 2007 RWC semi-final.
Recalling the game, Dusautoir added that this time it is different for the French side as compared to their 2007 RWC semifinal clash. He added that following their massive win in the quarter-finals of 2007 RWC, over the All Blacks, Les Blues were out of focus for their semi-final game against England. However, Dusautoir is vary of his side’s unpredictableness.
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