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20:24 GMT, Saturday, 15 March 2008

Williams too much for us - France

Shane Williams dances past the France defence

France coach Marc Lievremont says the counter-attacking of Shane Williams sealed Wales' 29-12 Grand Slam win.

"The turning point was the counter attack of Shane Williams, he was brilliant all tournament," he said.

"As soon as he gets the ball he's dangerous, he makes the most of chances, as Wales as a side have done.

"The match changed by his try. The result was not known at that point but that sealed it although 29-12 was too harsh a scoreline."

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Give your thoughts on Wales' Grand Slam win

As well as turning the match, Williams' score took him clear of Gareth Thomas as Wales' all-time leading try scorer.

His sixth five-pointer of the 2008 RBS Six Nations also took him clear of France's Vincent Clerc as this year's tournament's top try scorer.

Lievremont was also keen to pay tribute to other aspects of Wales' play.

"I'd like to congratulate Wales for their victory and Grand Slam," he said.

"There are many positives, a good spirit that bodes well for the future of France"
France coach Marc Lievremont

"For one hour of the game, we were extremely courageous but we couldn't find a way past the excellent Welsh defence.

"We came here to compete, but were guilty of allowing Wales to take confidence from the atmosphere in the stadium.

"Wales were very patient for an hour. (Full-back) Lee Byrne's left foot was well used.

"They also nullified us in defence, countered and finished well. We couldn't find the key to a way through. They've only conceded two tries, but they're not only a defensive team.

"Our kicking game was not precise enough and the ball was slow to come out, and timing of the pass was also out.

"But it bodes well for the future of France and I'd like to congratulate the players. There are many positive things, a good spirit and that's encouraging."



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Related to this story:

Gatland wants Springboks' scalp (16 Mar 08 |  Welsh )
Edwards's Wales future uncertain (16 Mar 08 |  Welsh )
Wales 29-12 France (15 Mar 08 |  Welsh )
Defence won Wales Slam - Jones (15 Mar 08 |  Welsh )
Welsh joy over Grand Slam victory (15 Mar 08 |  Wales )
Six Nations photos (15 Mar 08 |  Rugby Union )
BBC Sport Wales coverage (07 Aug 07 |  Wales )
Wales rugby results archive (15 Oct 03 |  Welsh )
Wales' rugby fixtures (26 Jun 07 |  Welsh )

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