French coach rues missing leaders and lack of spirit

BAFFLED French coach Bernard Laporte claimed yesterday that one reason for his side’s slide from Grand Slam champions to also-rans was the lack of leadership displayed by his senior players.

The 38-year-old said the loss of his southern hemisphere recruits, Kiwi centre Tony Marsh, who has been recovering from a long term injury, and South African prop Pieter de Villiers, suspended for taking ecstasy and cocaine, has been a huge factor in France’s decline.

“When we present the opposition with so many points one has to consider this defeat as a step backwards,” said the former Stade Francais handler somewhat ungraciously after the match.