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Two French stars retire in aftermath of World Cup exit
By Josh Raisey
France head coach Fabien Galthie has confirmed that prop Uini Atonio and lock Romain Taofifenua have retired from international rugby following their quarter-final loss to South Africa on Sunday.
The World Cup hosts crashed out of the tournament in Paris on Sunday night, narrowly losing 29-28 in what has now turned out to be the final appearance in blue for the heavyweight duo.
La Rochelle tighthead Atonio has been a mainstay in the France front-row during this World Cup cycle and started against the Springboks. The New Zealand-born prop will retire with 57 caps to his name. Lyon's Taofifenua came off the bench to replace Thibaud Flament for the final half hour at the Stade de France in what was his 49th and final game for Les Bleus.
Galthie said after the match: "This arrow of time gave us a very clear vision. The French team will continue to play, move forward and develop. Only two players are retiring, Uini Atonio and Romain Taofifenua. As for the rest, what we've just experienced is part of writing the book for the French team.
"It's difficult. We used ‘the arrow of time’ [analogy] to work and grow with the players according to a certain methodology. We've worked really well over the last four years with the staff, the players and the federation, and we've achieved something great."
The pair, both 33, will leave a sizeable hole in the France pack with Atonio weighing 146kg and Taofifenua weighing 136kg. With that kind of weight, they have been instrumental to France's power up front over the past four years.
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Latest Comments
Agreed. As a Saffa I have much respect for the ABs. I also have to say given any option I would ONLY prefer to lose to ABs. To lose to England is probably the most embarrassing think to happen to either of us.
There was a time when both of us lost to England and we both hated it. Thankfully those days are behind us. Kudos to you guys, kudos to ABs. But dear old BS seems to hate us Boks. No idea why.
Go to commentsI got the sense that holding him to it was kickback from SB and the rfu smarting at being jilted quite so soon, so unexpectedly and so publicly.
Seem to remember that they spoke to Gustard before appointing Joe and you really have to think he would have come in at a higher level?
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