Spedding admits France deserved rant

Editor

France full-back Scott Spedding admits that les Bleus deserved their furious tongue-lashing from Philippe Saint-André at half-time against Romania.

Spedding and France will be back in action on Thursday when they face Canada in Milton Keynes.

A poor first half meant France only led by a narrow margin against Romania last week, with Saint-André caught on camera tearing into his side at the interval.

“That is part of the coach’s job, to put a team in place that wasn’t performing. It was deserved, we weren’t sticking to the team plan," Spedding said.

“It’s not the first time I’ve taken a lashing like that, not just from Philippe. It was his way of getting us to react and we reacted well to what he had to say."

The France boss has made 13 changes for Thursday and Spedding admits that no one is resting on their laurels.

“It keeps everyone on their toes. Everyone is keen to play. At training everyone is putting their hand up to earn a spot and the coaches give everyone a chance," he added.

“We’re getting to the home straight of the knockout stages and everyone is keen to play, it’s healthy for competition."

Thursday will be see Rémy Grosso make his Rugby World Cup debut for France after being called up following Yoann Huget's injury against Italy, with Spedding excited to see him in action.

“I don’t know if you watched the Top 14 last season but Remy was pretty much the best wing," explained Spedding.

"He had a strong finish to the season and was one of the key players in the Top 14.

“He is really good, really strong, very hard. He will be up for the challenge. We know the Canadian wings are a handful, we saw what they were capable of against Italy.

"He has waited for a long time, he really deserves his shot and I think he is going to take it.”