Laporte refuses to blame conditions

France's coach Bernard Laporte refused to blame the pouring rain and treacherous pitch for his team's 24-7 loss to England in the rugby World Cup semi-final on Sunday.

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Laporte conceded that the weather had not helped France's cause. "But no excuses," he said. "Our field kicking in the first half wasn't very good. Despite that we could have been in the lead at half-time. That's what I told the players in the dressing room.

"In the second half they put us under pressure and we were facing the wind and the rain. They started to master the game. I suppose it's what they would like."

France's discipline, which had been so impressive throughout the tournament, also deserted them on Sunday with left wing Christophe Dominici and flanker Serge Betsen both being sent off for 10 minutes in the sin bin.

Dominici tripped England wing Jason Robinson while Betsen was sent off for a late tackle on England flyhalf Jonny Wilkinson, scorer of all of England's points.

"I have no problem with the first," Laporte said. "Even if it was a reflex action. The second was a bit harsh, he was on the move."

Laporte paid tribute both to England's performance and to Wilkinson. "They played their territorial game very well," he said. "Wilkinson had a superb game. He kept England going forward in our territory all the time.

Manager Jo Maso said France hoped to play well against New Zealand in the third place playoff next Thursday. The All Blacks lost 22-10 to Australia on Saturday.

"They must be disappointed, they are a great team. I'm still proud of this team, with the team spirit. It was a great human adventure," he said.

"It was a strategic game and we lost it. They were stronger than us and they were better at keeping the ball."

Laporte paid tribute to captain and scrumhalf Fabien Galthie, who will retire after this tournament. "He is the best scrumhalf in French rugby union history," he said, calling for a round of applause for Galthie.

Galthie said he did not know yet if he would play on Thursday. "I haven't talked yet with Bernard and Jo," he said.