IMANOL HARINORDOQUY, ONE of France’s star performers during the Rugby World Cup, has used his first interview since the tournament to confirm the suspicions of fans and commentators alike regarding the influence of coach Marc Lièvremont, Reuters reports.
It was suspected that Lièvremont’s tactical unpredictability and taste for wild experimentation had, by the commencement of the group stages, taken their toll on team morale and succeeded in opening a rift between players and management.
Blame for the result– a series of lacklustre performances against inferior teams– was placed squarely at his door.
It’s a reading of the situation the French international veteran refuses to dispel.
“He cast the stone at us too often. When something goes wrong, we’re all in the same boat. There are no good or bad guys…“I felt he was lost. I will not miss him.”
Harinordoquy was also heavily critical of referee Craig Joubert’s performance during the final game of the tournament, particularly his refusal to penalise Richie McCaw for persistent infringement at the breakdown.