Lievremont mind games

(cant post a link yet sorry)skysports.com/rugbyworldcup/story/21957/7239492

France coach Marc Lievremont has claimed he is afraid of Wales ahead of their RWC semi-final showdown on Saturday.

Despite having won nine of their previous 11 encounters against Wales, France will go into the clash at Eden Park as the underdogs.

The form of Les Bleus has hardly screamed out that they are potential winners, with them suffering defeats to New Zealand and Tonga in the pool stages.

A 19-12 victory over England in the quarter-finals has breathed life into the French challenge, but Wales have continued to impress en route to the last four.

And Lievremont admits he will go into the game full of fear.
Stressed

"Yes, I am afraid," he said. "Above all I am afraid of the Welsh.

"Right now we are running on adrenaline - I keep telling myself I can sleep in 10 days' time. I don't need much sleep generally, but it is true, I am more stressed right now.

"What we need to remember is that we had never beaten England at such a high level. That's something we can take strength from."

Although Wales have suffered a setback with news the impressive Rhys Priestland will miss the clash through injury, Lievremont is a big admirer of his replacement at fly-half, James Hook.

"It is not great news for us," he said.

"Hook is a very experienced player, and Wales will be very much better with him.

"He is an all-round player. He's very experienced which will be very important for them because they are such a young side."
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Only thing is, I cant really tell who there with:
Is he giving his own squad a kicking,
Or trying to throw the welsh.

You just never know with France :L
Any thoughts?

he should have a shave.

He seems confused at best

I hope the Welsh camp aren't paying any attention to what he's saying, as I'm sure the French camp won't be too interested in what Gatland has to say.

This is going to be some game of rugby!

If it's any consolation, we were favourites against them in 08 and still won.

We'll be fine, the squad is concentrating on itself and its own optimism without letting the media hype get to them.

The French performance could go one of two ways, they'll play like men possessed or crack under the strain and pressure.

We can handle either France that turns up.

Believe

luckless_pedestrian wrote:I hope the Welsh camp aren't paying any attention to what he's saying,

I doubt the French camp are paying much attention to what hes saying either. Maybe they should get Brian Ashton in to keep him company while they go off and train.

The only mind games going on are the ones in his own head between his multiple personalities.

Knowsit17 wrote:If it's any consolation, we were favourites against them in 08 and still won.

We'll be fine, the squad is concentrating on itself and its own optimism without letting the media hype get to them.

The French performance could go one of two ways, they'll play like men possessed or crack under the strain and pressure.

We can handle either France that turns up.

Believe

+1, this is a Wales team that can handle whatever France can throw at them,, theres only so far adrenaline, hunger and passion can take you. Wales have all three but are ruthelessly well organized to boot.
Believe (btw, if you havent already, youtube 'sam our captain')

Well there you go! Clear proof that the French actually believe they are firm favourites for this game. And yet another poor attempt at reverse psychology by Lievremont and co.