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”.