Harinordoquy 'won't miss' coach

Published: Monday, 31. October, 2011 in category France
Harinordoquy: Won't miss Lievremont

Lievremont helped guide France to the final of the Rugby World Cup, with the Les Bleus only just edged out 8-7 by the All Blacks.

That marked a stunning turnaround for France, who had been thumped by New Zealand in the pool stages and also suffered a humiliating defeat to Tonga.

However the clear division between the players and Lievremont - who has been now been replaced at the helm by Philippe Saint-Andre - was evident throughout the tournament.

And Harinordoquy claims the squad were fed up of the constant criticism they received from the former Dax boss - with Lievremont even calling some of the players "spoiled brats" following their semi-final win over Wales.

"After the defeat against Tonga... I did not attach too much importance to what Marc said," Harinordoquy told Midi Olympique.

"It was our adventure. It was meant to be the nice experience of 30 men. We had to free ourselves from his supervision.

"He cast the stone at us too often. When something goes wrong, we're all in the same boat. There are no good or bad guys.

"I felt he was lost. I will not miss him."