French play down Henry handball ahead of Six Nations clash

Thursday 28 January 2010
Published By: Ben Welch
Six Nations > France

It is not often that an incident in football seeps into a rugby union tie, but that is exactly what the Irish have claimed ahead of the highly-anticipated Six Nations clash against France.

Thierry Henry's blatant handball in a World Cup qualifier which effectively ended the Republic of Ireland's hopes of making it to South Africa caused outrage last year and the wounds are still deep, but the French are attempting to play this down ahead of the tie.

France coach Marc Lievremont said that the Irish were entitled to feel angry about the decision which cost them the chance to go to the World Cup but that should have no bearing on the tie at the Stade de France on February 13th.

"They deserved fairer treatment. However, football is not the same sport as rugby union. Football does not share the same qualities or values as rugby," he said.

Though Ireland will start the Six Nations as favourites, many are tipping the French to steal their crown after four sides from the country made it into the Heineken Cup quarter finals.

Posted by Ben Welch