St Andre takes aim at Top 14
Fran ce coa ch Philippe St Andre has done his best to pin the blame for his national side’s demise on the influx of foreign players in the domestic competition.
Speaking after the French were easily dismissed 3- 0 by the Wallabies in June, the French coach didn’t buy into the idea that his random selections, and flimsy strategies may have had something to do with the poor performances. Instead, he wanted to draw a line back to the lack of French- qualified players in the top clubs. He also stressed that the money, power and influence of the Top 14 was such, that it took priority over the national team.
“We’re suffering from this set up,” he said. “France is the only place where the league is more important than everything else. What worries me is that we’re getting more and more serious injuries. If we don’t realise that top players shouldn’t play more than 28- 30 games a year, we’re going to keep having problems. In November, with the players fresh and with lots more preparation time, we will be capable of matching Australia and dominating them like in 2012 ( 33- 6 victory).”
St Andre’s comments were hotly refuted by Toulon owner Mourad Boudjellal. Toulon are the richest club in France and have recruited foreign players en masse, but the man who made his fortune selling comics, blasted St Andre’s theory as ridiculous.
“You have to look at the facts. There are no more foreigners than there were three years ago. But what has changed in three years? The coaches! And I think the results are the consequence of what has changed,” he said.
“When you play three games and lose, that is not the fault of foreigners. The [ national team’s] staff had better do some introspection rather than blame the Top 14. It’s unbearable to hear adults blame others. We must ask the right questions. If they think the losses are not their responsibility, that they are no longer responsible. If that’s the case, they must go.”