Six Nations
Saint-André: 'I'll never abandon ship'
ESPN Staff
March 3, 2015
Philippe Saint-André is under pressure following their home defeat to Wales © Getty Images
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Philippe Saint-André defended his position as French coach and insisted he will not quit despite them falling to their second loss in three games.

Saint-André's position is coming under increased scrutiny but he says he will not step down despite their slump in form. "I've never abandoned ship, whether as a player, as a captain or as a manager. I've been given a role: to prepare this team for the World Cup," he said. "I'll fight every day to do that."

On Sunday the French coach described his team as "the Father Christmas of international rugby" due to the profligacy with which they offer their opponents points and said he did not see a fighting quality from his team in the wake of their defeat to Wales.

"International rugby is about combat, humility. But above all it's a collective sport. We don't need starlets," he said. "In rugby, the team is the star and we need champions. Yesterday, I didn't see any champions, or not many."

Up next for Saint-André's team is a trip to Italy, who will be confident after their win at Scotland, and there are likely to be changes in the French line-up.

"I only want players who are ready to go to the end of the world. If anyone thinks that international rugby is too difficult, then they have my telephone number," he said. "They can call me and I'll take someone else. I'll even take a 20-year-old lad who's never played in the Top 14 before."

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