French acts disappoint Penn

Press, 22 June 1989, Page 52

French acts disappoint Penn

BY

BOB SCHUMACHER

The acts of some French players when away from the battle centre dissatisfied the coach of the Seddon Shield selection, Lane Penn, who is also an All Black selector. Speaking after France’s 39-13 victory yesterday, Mr Penn said that he was disappointed at the French playing the man without the ball. “Our players were surprised at their actions

— it was not necessary in the context of the game nor is it necessary in any game. The general match tone was good, the incidents were not needed,” Mr Penn said. The Marlborough flanker, Garry Timms, lasted only two minutes of the match. He left the field with blood pouring from an ear half severed. Mr Penn said he had no idea how the injury occurred. “My players are a bit battered and bruised, but

they stuck to it. They found the pace of the game was up a notch or two but it was a good experience for them to play an international side. I thought the forwards held well considering the weight they were conceding and all kept trying to the end. You can ask no more than that.” Jacques Fouroux, the French manager and coach, did not attack the referee for awarding an avalanche of penalties

against his team. He said there was the language barrier — “I think we will have to learn English quickly.” Mr Fouroux said that France made a lot of mistakes but the players were young and it was important for them to get the experience. He considered the opposition “not that great.” “All has been going weil since the test and I want to keep it going well, I’m not complaining,” he said.