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'The tournament is a disappointment. We are disappointed with this tournament'
By Ben Spratt
Jacques Brunel admitted the Six Nations was a disappointment for France despite ending the campaign with a backs-to-the-wall win in Italy.
Les Bleus conceded several opportunities to Italy in Rome on Saturday but preyed on the hosts' missed chances to triumph 25-14, adding to last month's win in Scotland.
Coach Brunel was not enthused by their display or their tournament as a whole, but he was able to identify some positives.
"The tournament is a disappointment. We are disappointed with this tournament," he told Eurosport. "We have been too inconsistent.
"Like today, we have had no control at times and had great moments at others. We are not satisfied."
Outlining the positives, Brunel added: "I'll remember two things: this character that has been shown in difficult times and the emergence of young talents like Romain Ntamack, who showed qualities today, and also Demba Bamba.
"I will therefore remember the emergence of these young players and the work of the experienced players to mentor them."
The Rugby World Cup represents France's next big assignment, but Brunel does not believe too much can be read into their Six Nations performances ahead of that competition.
"The World Cup is something completely different," he said. "We will have a longer time to prepare for another competition format with four decisive games.
"We will have time to settle all those details that were not good during this tournament. But, whatever we have just experienced, a World Cup is a special moment."
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“It was true actually. Arteta hasn’t won much, nor slot. Pep has of course, and is a few years older. BUT - here’s the clincher: compare his trophy haul when he was THE SAME AGE AS your other examples! Boom.”
Boom indeed! My point proven. Pep hasn’t gotten better with age - he won loads when he was pretty new to coaching.
But the examples I gave were to show that the top coaches now are younger than the top coaches were 10 years ago. They are also less experienced than the top coaches were 10 years ago - something you seem not to have noticed.
I’m English btw.
Ok so you’re admitting you didn’t really have a point to make wrt Ferguson and spending regulations?
Go to commentsI really like Tupaea. He has come back to a level that might even be higher than before his terrible injury in 2022. And congratulations to him. But objectively, I think he still remains a "lesser" Tavatavanawai in almost all aspects of the game. Furthermore, comparing the stats of the Chiefs and the Landers is not fair. Tupaea benefits from a lot of forwards and a much superior halfback pairing. Tavatavanawai (like Tangitau) works miracles within an average team. Tupaea is good in a very good team.
The All Blacks must select excellence. And excellence is visible at centre and in other positions. I believe the All Blacks have enormous potential, unlike anything seen since 2015. Razor must select the right players; it’s as simple as that... he just needs to bend down to pick them up
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