French centre sends out warning to England
French centre Brian Liebenberg has delivered a World Cup warning to England – do not think you are unbeatable.
With his adopted country due to meet Clive Woodward’s side in the semi-finals next month, South African-born Liebenberg had two reasons to take an interest in the Pool C showdown in Perth last Saturday.
And though England soaked up everything the Springboks had to give and emerged with a 25-6 victory, Liebenberg is convinced France can overcome their threat to land a second successive final spot.
“England won on Saturday because they were more organised,” said the 24-year-old.
“They are obviously a very tough team and have been playing well for quite a while now.
“But we cannot afford to think they are unbeatable because they are not.
“We beat them in Marseille during the World Cup warm-up programme and though it wasn’t their first-choice side, we can take a lot of confidence from it. What you have done once, you always believe you can do again.”
Liebenburg is expecting to be a frustrated spectator for the third game in succession on Saturday when France take on Scotland in the match which should decide who advances to the quarter-finals as Pool B winners.
Having been selected by coach Bernard Laporte ahead of Thomas Castaignede in the French squad even though he had only qualified on residency grounds in June, Liebenberg has been unable to add to the three caps he collected before the World Cup began.
However, he has been promised a start against the United States in Woollongong next week providing France wrap up their group with victory this weekend.
“It’s frustrating because I am used to being on the field,” said the Stade Francais centre, who is so embedded into French culture that he speaks the language in conversation with room-mate Tony Marsh, even though his fellow back is a Kiwi.
“All I can do is train properly and make sure I am ready if I get a chance.
“As a team we set ourselves the target of winning the group with four wins and four bonus points.
“We are halfway there so far and although Scotland will be tough opposition this weekend, we are confident of achieving that aim.
“We want to be seen as potential finalists and if that brings with it a burden of pressure, we are happy to accept it.”
There was more good news from the French camp with prop Sylvain Marconnet set to return at the weekend after five weeks out with a thigh injury.
It was confirmed leading points-scorer Frederic Michalak will be fit to face the Scots when X-rays on the rib injury he picked up in the scrappy win over Japan revealed nothing more than bruising.
