Laporte stokes Henry's fire
France coach Bernard Laporte continued his unending quarrel with his New Zealand counterpart Graham Henry leading up to the second Test in Wellington by saying the Kiwi had a lot less to say while he was coaching Wales.
Laporte has already admitted he would rather not have toured with his third-choice squad, and now he has launched a patronising attack on All Blacks boss Graham Henry.
In response to Henry’s criticism of France’s spoiling tactics in the first Test in Auckland, Laporte accused his opposite number of a lack of respect, claiming he had less to say during his more difficult spell in charge of Wales.
“I’d like to say to Graham Henry and (assistant coach) Steve Hansen that they spoke a lot less when they were coaching Wales,” said the Frenchman.
“When we beat Wales 36-3 in Cardiff, he had a lot less to say before and after the match.
“It’s like they’re riding a wave here. I imagine it’s got something to do with the good air in New Zealand.
“That’s good, because its Rokocoko, Carter, McCaw and Williams who are making sure of their successful coaching careers.”
After a disjointed showing from New Zealand in last weekend’s 42-11 victory, a capacity crowd will turn out in Wellington in anticipation of a stronger showing.
France’s makeshift side are expected to be blown away this weekend, but Laporte believes his men will be fired up after Henry’s suggestion that they deliberately slowed the scrum.
“That really got me going, because it angered the players and so I told them, ‘don’t worry, I’ll sort out Henry’,” roared Laporte.
