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Six Nations statement: Tom Curry 'Tunnelgate' incident
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'The tournament is a disappointment. We are disappointed with this tournament'
By Ben Spratt
Jacques Brunel admitted the Six Nations was a disappointment for France despite ending the campaign with a backs-to-the-wall win in Italy.
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Les Bleus conceded several opportunities to Italy in Rome on Saturday but preyed on the hosts’ missed chances to triumph 25-14, adding to last month’s win in Scotland.
Coach Brunel was not enthused by their display or their tournament as a whole, but he was able to identify some positives.
“The tournament is a disappointment. We are disappointed with this tournament,” he told Eurosport. “We have been too inconsistent.
“Like today, we have had no control at times and had great moments at others. We are not satisfied.”
🇮🇹🇫🇷 Coup de sifflet final à Rome ! Les Bleus terminent cette édition du tournoi des #6Nations par une victoire contre l'Italie ! #ITAFRA #XVdeFrance #NeFaisonsXV pic.twitter.com/TJH2tV8tlj
— France Rugby (@FranceRugby) March 16, 2019
Outlining the positives, Brunel added: “I’ll remember two things: this character that has been shown in difficult times and the emergence of young talents like Romain Ntamack, who showed qualities today, and also Demba Bamba.
“I will therefore remember the emergence of these young players and the work of the experienced players to mentor them.”
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The Rugby World Cup represents France’s next big assignment, but Brunel does not believe too much can be read into their Six Nations performances ahead of that competition.
“The World Cup is something completely different,” he said. “We will have a longer time to prepare for another competition format with four decisive games.
“We will have time to settle all those details that were not good during this tournament. But, whatever we have just experienced, a World Cup is a special moment.”