France coach Marc Lievremont has rejected accusations his side might resort to dirty play in the Rugby World Cup final against the All Blacks.
On Friday, a New Zealand newspaper listed past acts of thuggery by French teams and a warning from former All Blacks captain Wayne `Buck’ Shelford that Les Bleus might resort to cheap shots to unsettle the heavily favoured home side at Eden Park on Sunday.
But Lievremont laughed off suggestions they would employ underhand tactics.
“That’s something I forgot to mention to my players – thanks very much,” said the coach who will take charge of the team for the final time.
“More seriously, I think the French team is one of the most disciplined, if the not the most disciplined team, in this competition.
“One of our aims here is to remain disciplined for this match and at no point on the pitch or off the pitch have we been guilty of any actions of that nature and I don’t think it is possible to criticise the players.”
Shelford said in a column in the NZ Herald that France may resort to desperate measures to save face if the game is getting away from them.
“When you go into the jungle, you never know what is going to happen in dark places. I’m talking about stamping on hands and ankles, those sort of things,” he said.
He urged the All Blacks to take matters into their own hands to sort things out as the referee may not be able to see the offences.
Shelford had his scrotum ripped open and lost four teeth during a Test against France in 1986 dubbed the “Battle of Nantes”.
Ben S
Roar Guru
Shelford said there had been gouging or testicle grabbing in 1999, which is basically common knowledge. He then said there had 'probably' been a bit of that in 2007. Mindless speculation. And I have no idea what Shelford's previous French experience has anything to do with anything.
AndyS
Guest
Yeah, same thought occurred to me - first tackle Richie puts on, French player jumps, jack-knifes his legs and leaves the ref no choice....
wainuiboy
Guest
Watch the 1999 semi final. You will see a young flanker named Leivermont stomping and standing on an AB leg sticking out of one of the first rucks of the game. I think they're more likely to be aiming to get an AB carded than play dirty this time. -- Comment left via The Roar's iPhone app. Download The Roar's iPhone App in the App Store here.
AndyS
Guest
Tells ya, if they touch McCaw they'll be in for such a booing!!
Kuruki
Roar Guru
Mindless speculation?. One of the French technical coaches come out in the media and stated they are going to target Richie McCaw and get him off the field as soon as possible. "One of our big forwards will deffinately be standing on his injured foot". I dont know how you can say this is mindless speculation, when Buck has been on the receiving end of exactly what he is talking about. Also John Eales threatened to take his team off the paddock when they employed underhanded tactics in the final. This is not speculation, it is a well known and well used French tactic.
CraigB
Roar Guru
They obviously don't respect the NZers and should be crucified for this
Geoff Brisbane now California
Guest
Can't be bothered Buck
Ben S
Roar Guru
Can't beat a bit of mindless speculation. Cheers, Buck.