Other Sites

Video Poker

Online betting and gambling at williamhill.com, the world's biggest bookmaker

Saint-Andre Seeks ‘Perfect’ France

Fans of the French rugby team could be forgiven for thinking that the side’s new coach, Philippe Saint-Andre, is ungrateful, after the 44-year-old criticised his players’ performance against Italy on Saturday.

“As a coach, you seek perfection”, Saint-Andre explained. “The glass is half full and half-empty.”

Les Bleus defeated the visiting Azzurri by 30 points to 12 in what ultimately became one of their highest scoring matches of the past few months. The result was a far cry from their single-point victory over Wales in the World Cup. Aurelien Rougerie, Vincent Clerc, and Wesley Fofana were particularly worthy of note for the French. Click here for six nations rugby betting odds and previews.

The positive outcome may have come as a surprise to rugby lovers, given that France had just six days to prepare for the Six Nations under Saint-Andre. The fact that Les Bleus were under pressure to secure victory following their near-success at the World Cup was another potential stumbling block for France.

While Saint-Andre admitted that his players “did some things of quality”, the Frenchman was concerned about a lack of aggressiveness early in last weekend’s fixture. The former winger was unhappy with his team’s decision to kick the ball into touch at the culmination of their encounter with Italy. Fans of online rugby betting will have been less surprised by things.

“The match was won, sure, but you mustn’t kick the ball into touch”, Saint-Andre said. “The pleasure of playing must carry on until the final second.”

French scrum-half, Dimitri Yachvili, defended his comrades, by noting that Les Bleus are “still learning” the moods and desires of their new coach.

France’s mettle will be tested once again, on Saturday, when Ireland pay a visit to the Stade de France. The Irish will be hoping to overturn their recent 21-23 loss to Wales.