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 Heads held high Defeated French rugby team feted in Paris
Posted: Sunday November 07, 1999 05:27 PM
PARIS (AP) -- Some 10,000 supporters turned out Sunday night to greet France's rugby team which, although defeated 35-12 in the World Cup final against Australia, came home with heads held high. The players, in suits and ties, stood aboard an open-top bus which paraded through Paris' streets -- even if there wasn't a trophy to brandish -- before stopping for a ceremony at the Eiffel Tower. "It's marvelous to see all these people welcome the French team," said coach Jean-Claude Skrela. "I think they're acknowledging the pleasure the team gave them by beating the All Blacks." The French team, after a disastrous run of six defeats in eight matches, had been given no chance by the French public in the runup to the World Cup. But the mood turned to one of euphoria after France's remarkable 43-31 semifinal victory over the All Blacks. The French players acknowledged after Saturday's defeat that the better team had won. They said they hoped getting to the final would boost French rugby. Interior Minister Jean-Pierre Chevenement on Sunday pointed out the public's change of heart regarding the French team. "Two weeks ago, who would have imagined that France could get to the final?" he said. "On the contrary, our rugby players felt they were always being heckled and jeered."
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