France Are Not A Top Team
Phillipe Saint Andre has admitted that France are no longer a top rugby side after their loss to Wales in Paris. There was a sense of frustration from Saint Andre at his post-match press conference. He said that despite the injuries suffered by France, that they can't get over the line at home means they don't deserve to be one of the top sides in the world.
Philippe Saint-André admits France are no longer a top team. Frustrated by kicking woes and basic errors.
— Paul Eddison (@pauleddison) February 28, 2015
France will be cut adrift from the top six nations in the world when World Rugby release their updated World Rankings on Monday.
Saint Andre says Wales and Ireland have done everything to focus on the national team in the pro era and now have very good sides.
— Simon Thomas (@simonrug) February 28, 2015
In an enlighting press conference, Saint Andre bemoaned the fact that the likes of Ireland and Wales have done everything to help their national teams, while the France national team is almost at a constant war with the Top 14 teams.
Saint Andre basically seems to be putting all the blame on the structure of French rugby and the focus on the club game. C'est la vie.
— Simon Thomas (@simonrug) February 28, 2015
This can only be good for Ireland, who have France in their Rugby World Cup pool. Ireland will be going into the tournament confident that they can top the group after wins over their pool rivals France and Italy in the Six Nations. France haven't been able to beat Ireland in four attempts since Saint Andre took over, losing two and drawing two; but are expected to be Ireland's toughest challenge in the hunt for top spot and avoiding New Zealand in the quarter finals.
Saint-André sounds exasperated. Difficult to see what more he can bring to this French team. Almost worth looking to 2016 already.
— Paul Eddison (@pauleddison) February 28, 2015
