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Portugal statement: New boss resigns after a month in charge
By Josh Raisey
The Portugal Rugby Federation have accepted the resignation of head coach Sebastien Bertrank just a matter of weeks after replacing Patrice Lagisquet after the World Cup.
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Bertrank has left the role with immediate effect, citing logistical complications while trying to balance a role with the French Ministry of Sport.
This is not an ideal start to life after a successful World Cup for Os Lobos, where they registered their first ever tournament win against Fiji, as well as a draw against Georgia.
A Portugal statement reads: “The Portuguese Rugby Federation and Mr. Sebastien Bertrank, National Rugby Coach, hereby publicly announce that, for strictly professional reasons and at his own request, they have agreed to terminate the contractual relationship between them, with immediate effect.
“The significant increase in the workload and the many requests that the XV National Team has received after the excellent performance in the Rugby World Cup, with the planned holding of several international matches and the corresponding weeks of preparation, would mean that Mr. Bertrank would travel more regularly and stay longer in Portugal, which would lead to the termination of his professional relationship with the French Ministry of Sport, a situation which he seeks to avoid.
“Aware of the fact, the Portuguese Rugby Federation, regretting that it could no longer count on the National Coach, accepted his resignation from the position and wishes Mr. Sebastien Bertrank the greatest personal and professional success.”
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The writer here ignores the fact that, following on from not taking the penalty kick, the All Blacks did manage to score a try a few minutes later. Not directly from the penalty awarded, but it is speculation to say that had they opted to take the koi they would have won. Even if they kicked it, which was no guarantee, they would still be trailing and would have had to start again at half-way.
Go to commentsI would be surprised if Sales Opoku Fordjour and Northampton’s Tommy Freeman are not in the team, Anthony Watson is also one that could go on the wing. One thing I must say is that the front 3 will get destroyed against a team like South Africa.
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