France could provide Bleu-print (From Gazette Series)

France could provide Bleu-print

2:22pm Sunday 21st March 2010 in

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If Martin Johnson needed any reassurance the anguish of developing a new England team can ultimately be worth it, he need only listen to Marc Lievremont.

The France coach kept his post-match duties to a minimum following the 12-10 win over England on Saturday night because, after two painful years of rebuilding Les Bleus, he had a Grand Slam to celebrate. Lievremont started from scratch when he took charge after the 2007 Rugby World Cup, using over 70 players in two years and suffering some heavy defeats along the way.

"It is a very nice baby even if the birth was quite difficult," said Lievremont. "For the first time we have reached the end of a series or a tournament and I can be satisfied. We have a Grand Slam to celebrate."

He added: "I am very proud of this team for the bravery they showed in the 80 minutes.

"It is five victories and a Grand Slam but we have to pay tribute to the England team. It was very difficult and they played their best against us."