Lièvremont lauds Welsh patience

France coach Marc Lièvremont admitted his team could not respond to Wales's performance during the closing quarter of the Six Nations decider in Cardiff on Saturday.

France coach Marc Lièvremont admitted his team could not respond to Wales's performance during the closing quarter of the Six Nations decider in Cardiff on Saturday.

Wales's 29-12 victory over Les Bleus completed a remarkable Six Nations campaign as Wales secured a second Grand Slam and Six Nations crown in four seasons.

The visitors looked bereft of ideas and cohesion, but Lièvremont believes the scoreline did not reflect his side's performance.

“I congratulate Wales for their victory and their Grand Slam,” he said.

“For an hour, France were very brave but we couldn't find the solution against a very strong Welsh defence.

“The turning point of the match was the Shane Williams counter-attack and try after 60 minutes.

“The result wasn't known until then, but I found the score of 29-12 very heavy against us.

“We came here to compete but we were guilty of letting the Welsh team get confidence in the first ten minutes of the match.

“We came to compete, but we only did that for an hour.

“Wales were very patient for an hour. They controlled all of our attacks, and they countered and finished very well.

“Shane Williams has been brilliant throughout the tournament. As soon as he gets the ball he is dangerous, and he makes the most of his opportunities.”