Hear hear ! ;)
Hear hear ! ;)
I dunno Becs…..how about the English team’s callow behaviour after losing the 2019 final.
I certainly disagreed with that, Mozart. No need for bad sportsmanship.
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Well, it seems the rugby gods were watching and they weren’t too pleased with France’s antics. Former Springboks coach Peter de Villiers expressed his sheer delight over England's recent triumph against France in the Six Nations. His joy wasn't just about the scoreline; it was more about seeing justice served on the pitch after what he described as less-than-sporting behavior by the French team.
De Villiers, known for his blunt assessments, didn't hold back in his critique of the French side. It appears the former coach was irked by the French team’s approach to the game, which, according to him, involved a good deal of foul play. "They were very naughty," de Villiers pointed out, suggesting that karma might have had a hand in the outcome of the match.
"I am very happy that England won after France behaved so badly. It's not nice to see professionals playing that way."
His comments didn't just throw shade at the French tactics but also highlighted a broader issue of discipline and sportsmanship in rugby. It’s not every day that you hear a former national coach calling out a team so publicly for their on-field behavior. But then again, de Villiers is not your everyday coach.
The match itself was a nail-biter, with England edging out France. This victory was particularly sweet for England, not just because it was a hard-fought win, but also because it seemed to validate de Villiers' view that playing fair is as important as playing well. For the fans and the purists, the game was a roller-coaster of emotions, with the pendulum swinging wildly until the final whistle.
De Villiers’ remarks have stirred the pot and are likely to resonate for a while, especially among those who advocate for fair play and respect in sports. The rugby community is no stranger to debates about conduct on the field, and comments like these from respected figures in the sport add an interesting layer to the ongoing discourse.
Whether you agree with Peter de Villiers or not, his candidness serves as a reminder that rugby, like all sports, is as much about character and integrity as it is about talent and strategy. And in this instance, according to de Villiers, England showed they had a bit more of the former.
As the Six Nations tournament progresses, all eyes will be on France to see how they respond to these accusations. Will they tidy up their act, or will the criticism fall on deaf ears? Only time will tell, but for now, the saga adds an extra spice to an already fiery competition.