Lièvremont slams Bastareaud critics

FRANCE coach Marc Lièvremont has hit out after receiving letters claiming Guadeloupe-born back Mathieu Bastareaud shows a lack of allegiance to France.

Centre Bastareaud, one of France’s top performers in this year’s Six Nations, has been targeted in anonymous letters.

“They point out the fact that Mathieu Bastareaud is black, that he doesn’t sing during the anthem and therefore he does not feel French,” said Lièvremont. “There’s no way to describe this kind of stupidity.”

France captain Thierry Dusautoir, who was born in Ivory Coast, will lead the side out against England at the Stade de France tomorrow night – where victory would assure the hosts a Six Nations Grand Slam.

And Lièvremont, who in the past received similar letters criticising Basque-born back row Imanol Harinordoquy, is adamant rugby will not entertain any racist behaviour.

“I get a few letters, obviously none of which have been signed because whoever sent them are scumbags and obviously not very brave,” stated Lièvremont.

“Rugby and sport in general also engenders showing tolerance and respect. Obviously it’s not because Mathieu is black and comes from Guadeloupe that he doesn’t feel French.

“Everyone approaches matches in a different way, and that includes with anthems. You have to respect that.”

Bastareaud started the tournament by scoring his first two international tries against Scotland in his first Test start since falsely claiming he had been assaulted during France’s tour of New Zealand last summer.

The 21-year-old alleged he was set upon by a group of men outside his hotel after France’s 14-10 defeat by the All Blacks in Wellington, but he later admitted he had lied to cover up a drink-related facial injury.

“I think I have grown,” insisted Bastareaud. “That in the game I’m raising my head more, physically, mentally. I feel better and you can see that on the pitch.”

Meanwhile England captain Steve Borthwick faces a race against time to be fit for the showdown with France.

Borthwick underwent another scan on his injured left knee yesterday and the England medical team will make a final decision on his availability before the squad leaves for Paris.

Stade Français lock Tom Palmer has been training with England all week and is on standby to come into the squad if Borthwick is ruled out. Borthwick aggravated an existing injury late in England’s 15-15 draw with Scotland last weekend and the prognosis does not look promising.

After receiving conflicting opinions from two specialists on Tuesday afternoon, Borthwick was advised to spend 48 hours with his leg in a brace and he sat out Wednesday’s training session.

Borthwick’s condition was reviewed yesterday and there were no reports of an improvement from the England medics, only that a final decision will be delayed until the last minute.

Borthwick, who has captained England in 20 consecutive Test matches, had been carrying the injury for about three weeks but flared up at Murrayfield. Northampton lock Courtney Lawes was on the bench for England against Scotland but Palmer was drafted in from Paris because of his superior lineout knowledge.