Lievremont in need of a boost

TEN MONTHS ago Marc Lievremont was the toast of France, revelling in a first Grand Slam victory since 2004 as his side demonstrated that they were the northern hemisphere outfit most likely to make an impact at the World Cup.

Fast-forward to a private members’ club in the heart of London yesterday, though, and the landscape had changed; Lievremont is now a man under pressure, and a coach unsure of what his side are going to do next.

To say the last seven months have been chastening for France would be a gross understatement.