Laporte eyes World Cup push
France’s hopes of defending their RBS 6 Nations crown evaporated in a 10-minute spell at home to eventual champions Wales, according to national team coach Bernard Laporte.
However, after having suffered miserable defeats at home to Argentina and New Zealand in winter Test matches, Laporte is now satisfied with the progress his players are making ahead of the 2007 World Cup in France.
Les Bleus slumped to a 24-18 defeat at home to Wales, who finished top of the Six Nations table, one place above France.
Wales clinched their first Grand Slam since 1978 with a convincing 32-20 win over Ireland at the Millennium Stadium on Saturday.
Laporte’s men produced an inconsistent set of performances, with two unconvincing wins over Scotland and England and two impressive victories over Ireland and Italy.
But in their third match of the tournament they faced Wales at the Stade de France and Laporte believes that contest decided the destination of the championship trophy.
“We regret the first 10 minutes of our second half against Wales where we lost the match and the Grand Slam, when I look back,” said Laporte.
“It is difficult to accept this loss. Without those little moments of poor concentration we would have cried tears of happiness on Saturday.”
Despite a flawless first half display against Wales, the French failed to capitalise on their 15-6 half-time advantage and conceded two tries in the first six minutes of the second half before tumbling to defeat.
However, Laporte was quick to congratulate Wales on their championship triumph.
“This is somehow a tournament of regrets for us but on the other hand the Welsh showed their qualities that day and their Grand Slam is thoroughly deserved,” said Laporte.
The France coach also highlighted the improvements his side showed during the tournament, and praised younger members of the squad like Julien Laharrague, Yannick Nyanga, David Marty, Benoit Baby and Gregory Lamboley.
“Many players have scored points during the 2005 six nations, the youngest came without any experience but managed to integrate very fast,” added Laporte.
“They understood the high expectations right from the start and we are going well in the preparation for the 2007 World Cup.”
Laporte is already looking ahead to the biggest rugby event in the world and believes his side are making good progress.
“This year’s tournament has showed that we were on the right track, but now we must get onto the motorway,” said Laporte
“The World Cup is coming very fast, time is running out even though the road will be long, we are going to have to be precise and avoid mistakes.”
Les Bleus’ next internationals will be played in a summer tour of South Africa and Australia where most of the experienced players are expected to be rested.
Laporte might take a 30-man group instead of 22 as originally planed in order to cast his eye over more of the country’s young talent.
