Lièvremont denies plan to target McCaw
France coach Marc Lièvremont has rejected claims that Les Bleus might target All Black captain Richie McCaw in tomorrow's World Cup final at Eden Park.
French defence coach Dave Ellis joked earlier in the week that someone would stand on McCaw’s injured foot, while former All Black skipper Buck Shelford warned New Zealand that the French would resort to underhand tactics if the game was not going their way.
But Lièvremont insists Les Bleus have put their ill-disciplined reputation behind them.
He said: “I think the French team is one of the most, if not the most, disciplined teams in the competition. One of our aims is to remain disciplined for this match.
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“At no point, on or off the pitch, have we been guilty of any actions of this nature. I do not think it is possible to criticise the players - they have been very respectful.”
Lièvremont also admitted that it is the players who are now in control of the team as France look to upset the odds and take their first World Cup crown in their third final.
“Now I hand everything over to the captain and the players. It really is all down to them,” added Lièvremont, who will step down after the tournament ends.
“All the moments this week have been [their] last moments with me - the last moments with staff, training with players - and this is the last press conference.”
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