Clerc call for France response

Published: Thursday, 6. October, 2011 in category France
Clerc: Wants France to bounce back

Les Bleus advanced to the quarter-finals as Pool A runners-up to New Zealand, despite losing 19-14 to Tonga in Wellington.

And Clerc, who scored the late try which earned a losing bonus point against Tonga, is determined France make amends against a team which has eliminated them from the 1991, 2003 and 2007 tournaments.

He said: "We have a great deal of revenge to get.

"First, with regards to last week, considering the work we've put in for three-and-a-half months. What we showed last week doesn't reflect what we are worth.

"Secondly, with regards to the England squad, it's not really revenge as such because the teams and the context are different."

Despite the numerous reports of internal strife within the French camp, Clerc has insisted the French players are united.

He added: "In our squad, too, the morale is good. We went through tough times, but we're still here."