Lievremont angered by Bastareaud comments

A PUBLIC spat between France coach Marc Lièvremont, his Stade Francais counterpart Michael Cheika and centre Mathieu Bastareaud is threatening to overshadow France’s preparations for Sunday’s Six Nations encounter with Ireland at the Aviva Stadium.

Speaking at the France team announcement at Marcoussis yesterday, Lièvremont called the 22-year-old centre “helpless” following Bastareaud’s decision to go public with a “reveal-all” interview on Monday where he said his international career was over.

“Must I speak about it, really?” Lièvremont asked reporters before questioning the advice Bastareaud had been given by Stade Francais management.