Lievremont takes pride in Grand Slam
Sun, 21 Mar 2010 00:47
French coach Marc Lievremont basked in the glory of landing France's first Six Nations Grand Slam since 2004 on Saturday with a 12-10 victory over old foes England, saying it was a moment for immense pride.
The 41-year-old former France back row forward could also smile as a year ago his position was in danger following a 34-10 humiliation by England at Twickenham, a defeat that he admitted had left deep psychological scars on him and the players.
However, Lievremont put that all to one side on Saturday and celebrated what was his second Grand Slam, having won one in 1998 as a player.
"I feel great pride for myself and for the squad," said Lievremont, who was a surprise choice to replace Bernard Laporte after the 2007 World Cup when they went out for the second successive time to England in the semifinals.
"I thought for a while we were afraid of winning this match. But the team showed a lot of courage against a good English team that dominated large parts of the game."
French captain Thierry Dusautoir, like Lievremont born in Africa with the coach being born in Senegal and the skipper in Ivory Coast, also was bursting with pride having captained France to their ninth Grand Slam and a first win in a competitive match over England since 2006.
"There is huge pride swelling up inside me, for what we have done tonight [Saturday]," said the 28-year-old, who was captaining France for the 10th time in his 33rd test appearance.
"It was really tough but we hung in there. It was important for us this evening and we delivered. It is still sinking in. I know one thing for sure - it's going to be a hell of a party later on," added the Toulouse star, who put in a trademark crunching tackle on English opposite number Lewis Moody in the second-half to stifle a dangerous attack.
For veteran back row forward Imanol Harinordoquy it was an incredible third Grand Slam, having been part of the 2002 and 2004 sides.
"It is hard to imagine that this is my third, when I was giving up hope of ever winning another one coming into this season," said the 30-year-old.
"It is difficult to win all your matches and I was worried the English would rob us of this one. It was a nervy last minute and I could barely watch.
"This triumph in the Six Nations has been built on a great atmosphere in the squad which I believe has been reflected out on the pitch."
Outstanding scrum-half Morgan Parra, who kicked three penalties on Saturday, said that French success had been built on their ability to approach each opponent differently.
"It was very hard this evening," said Parra. "But we fought till the end and chased every ball. What we managed to do this tournament was to adapt to each opponents' different style of play and with the English it was no different."
For iconic figure Sebastien Chabal the victory meant everything especially as he had started the tournament by revealing on Twitter that he was injured and would miss the first two matches before it had been officially announced.
"This is magnificent," said the 32-year-old, who came on in the second-half as a replacement.
"It was a very complex match and I am both happy and relieved that we came away with victory.
"This means a huge amount to me because for a player - apart from the World Cup of course - this is the height of ambition."
AFP
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