Lièvremont lauds French style

France coach Marc Lièvremont was delighted with the style and confidence his new-look side showed in their 27-6 victory over Scotland in their Six Nations opener at Murrayfield on Sunday.

France coach Marc Lièvremont was delighted with the style and confidence his new-look side showed in their 27-6 victory over Scotland in their Six Nations opener at Murrayfield on Sunday.

The 39-year-old was determined to bring an increased guile into their play and he urged them to express themselves and keep the ball.

But he was most pleased with the team spirit among a squad that included six new caps.

“I'm delighted, a few things didn't click but I'm absolutely delighted,” Lièvremont said.

“I was pleased with the way we played the game – trying to attack and keep possession.

“I encouraged them to be confident – I have a quality group at my disposal.

“I want them to enjoy it, there are still plenty of things to work on but the main thing was the team spirit and collective effort.

“I'm delighted above all with the attitude of the players. There was some hard combat, in the nicest sense of the word.

“We didn't have much time to prepare but we came through with team spirit and our defence held out right to the end.

“I admit luck was on our side but I'm pleased with the control we showed. We lost little possession and very few turnovers.

“We were able to impose our own pace and rhythm on the game in view of the way Scotland sometime start the game, but they didn't this time.”