France Self Destruct

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The day started off so well for Sebastien when he scored one of France's 3 tries.

Yesterday France were in control of their World Cup ruby match against Wales. Everything was going smoothly until Sebastien Vahaamahina blatantly elbowed a Welsh player in the face. There was no excuse as you can see the player look towards his victim as his elbow connects. This was no accident and was 100 percent intentional.

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He first checked ,then lined up the elbow and landed a clean shot.

The score at the time was 19-10 and France was doing everything right and Wales were staring defeat as it was that one sided. When the player was sent off the whole matched changed. Normally one player doesn't make a huge difference, but there was still 34 minutes left on the clock.

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Damage done and France are now doomed.

France went from attacking to defending and running down the clock which was never going to work. I must admit I was impressed with the French team up until this point and 3 tries to one showed they had flair and dominance. I honestly think the French team has something to build on, this team can go places and play with the best and has a good chance of winning. That isn't something we could have said about French teams over the last decade or so.

In today's modern rugby it is difficult to defend when you have one or two players sent off and holes have to appear at some point. Teams need to practice for this so they are prepared for any eventualities as everyone has to do more.
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The strongest side lost and the lucky Welsh last another week.

The Welsh side got lucky and eventually scored to take the lead by one point with 5 minutes to go. The standard of play that the Welsh put into today they were fortunate that a player let his side down by being sent off as they are clearly not the stronger team. They will not beat South Africa with the players they have and it will be good night to them in the next game.

Sebastien Vahaamahina should be embarrassed and ashamed as he has cost his team a place in the semi finals. I don't know what punishment could be enough really and if I was a coach I wouldn't select him again or for a very long time. Some players will retire after this and he has let everyone down. If it was an accident then that would be different ,but it wasn't so he needs to face the consequences.