Lièvremont: 'Too much time defending'
Sun, 29 Jun 2008 11:14
French coach Marc Lièvremont said his side spent too much time defending in its 13-34 loss to Australia in the first Test in Sydney on Saturday.
The French, who were missing star players from the country's top four domestic teams, conceded four tries to the Wallabies.
"We knew it was going to be a very hard game and they delivered," said Lievremont.
"Top rugby is a game that is made up of a lot of little things and we spent a lot of time in defence in the first half and we paid cash at the end of it. After around 60 minutes the game was killed."
Lièvremont predicted his side will improve in the second Test in Brisbane on Saturday.
"They need cohesion," he said. "They showed they need to be playing more together and the team for next Saturday will not have too many changes."
One forced change will be the absence of fullback Pepito Elhorga, who dislocated his shoulder when he was smashed in a first half tackle.
Prop Lionel Faure is also in doubt after twisting his knee.
