France coach Marc Lievremont blasted England hooker Mark Regan after defeat in Paris.
French coach salutes England but blasts hooker Regan.
France coach Marc Lievremont did not hold back in his criticism of England hooker Mark Regan after the defeat in Paris, but admitted the visitors deserved to win.
England triumphed 24-13 in Paris to repeat their victory in the World Cup and stun the home crowd, which at time showed their frustration and support in equal measures.
Lievremont was seething at Regan's conduct, who was punished for punching Lionel Faure several times in the head.
The French coach said that Regan was continually crossing the boundaries of sportsmanship and did not hide his anger, despite admitting England deserved to win.
"I thought the behaviour of the English hooker was completely unacceptable at times," said Lievremont.
Blast
"I don't even want to remember his name. He was ridiculous and grotesque.
"It wasn't in the spirit of the game. He was a bit of a clown, really.
"Every time there was a lineout he was provocative, but this didn't detract from England and the fact they deserved their victory."
On the game in general, Lievremont was more magnanimous and although he picked out some good points for the future his main sense was disappointment.
"My main feeling is one of disappointment, a bit like the World Cup semi-final, but when you are playing such a pragmatic team it is very difficult," he added.
"The positives are that we tried really hard to the end. We showed courage and solidity, but it just didn't come off."
Defence
"It is not a case of not following instructions. England defended really well, and we found it hard to get sequences of play going.
"I thought our half-backs were outstanding, they did really well, as did number eight Louis Picamoles for such a young player.
"We always want to look at other players, but if we do change players, it must not be viewed as a punishment.
"The English pack is extremely strong, but we are hoping to progress in that area, and I don't think we were dominated in the scrums."
Skipper Lionel Nallet added: "We felt powerless at times.
"We found it difficult to find solutions at times, and once you are behind against a team like England, it is very difficult to come back.
"The most important thing is to use this defeat in order to progress."
