Lièvremont lambasts 'unacceptable' Regan
France coach Marc Lievremont has launched a fierce outburst at England hooker Mark Regan, calling the England hooker's on-field behaviour 'completely unacceptable'.
France coach Marc Lievremont has launched a fierce outburst at England hooker Mark Regan, calling the England hooker's on-field behaviour 'completely unacceptable'.
Regan, renowned for winding opponents up with on-field banter, clashed twice with France hooker Dimitri Szarzewski, and was fortunate not to be yellow-carded for a couple fo flailing fists late in the game.
Lièvremont did not hold back in his criticism of Regan.
“I thought the behaviour of the English hooker was completely unacceptable at times,” said the French coach.
“It wasn't in the spirit of the game. He was a bit of a clown, really.
“Every time there was a lineout he was provocative, but this didn't detract from England and the fact they deserved their victory.”
On the game in general, Lievremont was more magnanimous.
“My main feeling is one of disappointment, a bit like the World Cup semi-final, but when you are playing such a pragmatic team it is very difficult,” he said.
“The positives are that we tried really hard to the end. We showed courage and solidity, but it just didn't come off.
“It is not a case of not following instructions. England defended really well, and we found it hard to get sequences of play going.
“I thought our half-backs were outstanding, they did really well, as did number eight Louis Picamoles for such a young player.
“We always want to look at other players, but if we do change players, it must not be viewed as a punishment.
“The English pack is extremely strong, but we are hoping to progress in that area, and I don't think we were dominated in the scrums.
Skipper Lionel Nallet added: “We felt powerless at times.
“We found it difficult to find solutions at times, and once you are behind against a team like England, it is very difficult to come back.
“The most important thing is to use this defeat in order to progress.”