France fined by IRB for advancing on haka in World Cup final

FRANCE HAVE been fined €2,875 for advancing on the New Zealand haka before Sunday’s World Cup final, the International Rugby Board have confirmed.

Les Bleus were supposed to remain behind the 10-metre line in their own half but instead advanced towards the All Blacks in a v-formation, led by captain Thierry Dusautoir.

The IRB stated “as with other in-tournament breaches of the tournament cultural ritual protocol and as per pre-tournament communication with teams, RWCL will impose the standard sanction of £2,500 (€2,875)”.

France coach Marc Lievremont defended his side’s actions at Eden Park before a match they lost 8-7. He said: “He (Dusautoir) tried to stop them, there was a bit of movement bringing them forward.

“But a fine? I don’t know.”

Speaking before the fine was issued, Dusautoir said the team wanted to make a bold statement and believed it was a worthwhile exercise despite the narrow loss.

“At one stage we were so close to them that they wanted to kiss the New Zealanders, but I told them to take it easy. It was a great moment and a moment we will remember all our lives,” he said.

France also received support from an unlikely ally with All Blacks manager Darren Shand stating his opposition to the French being fined.

Shand told Newstalk ZB radio: “They came to play and that was great. The culture challenge is that. It should be done and then we get on with the real stuff. I hope it’s not overstated.”

Andrew Sheridan, the England prop who left the World Cup early with torn shoulder ligaments, has turned down the chance of an insurance payout and will continue playing.

The 31-year-old, whose career has been blighted by injury and who is recovering from a fourth shoulder operation in less than two years, intends to get fit and continue playing for Sale.

“Obviously the insurance is pretty good but that’s not what I’m about,” he said.

Sheridan, who recently turned down a move to Toulon, admitted that retirement had crossed his mind. “But once I got back to Manchester and saw my surgeon he was very confident that there was no reason why I couldn’t get back and carry on playing.”

Samoa captain, Mahonri Schwalger, has delivered a report claiming – coaches excepted – that they behaved as though on a “massive holiday”.

“We as the team feel that our preparation was tainted by not having people in vital positions committed to their duties and responsibilities before every game,” said Schwalger who alleged heavy drinking and absences of up to two or three days at a time.