Lièvremont hits out at Ireland’s ‘negative’ tactics in Grand Slam success

FRANCE’S performances in the Six Nations may have been a long way from a vintage red wine but that hasn’t prevented coach Marc Lièvremont from hurling some sour grapes at Declan Kidney’s Grand Slam-winning Ireland team.

Lièvremont, whose France team endured another hugely disappointing tournament to finish third behind England, has criticised the manner of Ireland’s Grand Slam victory, labelling the rugby as “the most negative in the tournament”.

“I’m very happy for the Irish team, for the Irish people and for what they’ve achieved,” insisted Lièvremont in an interview with l’Equipe, adding, “even if we gave them a leg up in the first match and above all, in my opinion, that they played the most negative rugby in the tournament”.

Brian O’Driscoll’s men condemned France to a 21-30 defeat in Croke Park back at the beginning of February and despite wins against Scotland, Italy and Wales, Lièvremont has shipped plenty of criticism from the French media for his team selections and for some shoddy team performances, notably for the 10-34 hammering his side received at the hands of England at Twickenham.

However L’Equipe’s rugby pundit and former French outhalf Alain Penaud defended “Les Verts”, citing Ireland’s victory as a “wonderful achievement”.

“Some will say that they played negatively but I think we should give them more respect than that,” declared the former playmaker. “Their play isn’t hugely flamboyant, being more Munster-inspired than Leinster. But it’s pragmatic rugby and it brought them victory.

“At this level, they are more of an example to follow than France are.”

Penaud was also quick to lavish praise on Kidney. The Irish coach has remained something of a mystery to many in France, despite leading Munster to Heineken Cup victories over two French sides.

“The Irish team had lost some mental strength and they found it again under Declan Kidney. The proof can be found in the way they faced up to the Welsh, who in my opinion, benefited from a few decisions from the ref. In spite of this, they were patient.

“I’m delighted to see a Grand Slam for Ireland. I’m really happy to see them back at the highest level. They’ve long figured up there as one of the favourites but this generation never really confirmed their undoubted potential in a green shirt,” he said.

Writing in Midi Olympique, Jerome Prevot was another to acknowledge Kidney’s contribution, branding him “the X-factor” in Ireland’s armoury.

Prevot wrote: “Kidney’s X-factor lies in the way that he has given confidence to his men and in his ability to convince them to play his pragmatic brand of rugby. In contrast to his predecessor Eddie O’Sullivan who searched for a ‘mythical’ form of rugby, Kidney understands that rugby is played with an opposition that you need to adapt to and play to.”