Six Nations 2014: France’s Saint-Andre targets improvements in 2014

Philippe Saint-Andre is adamant France will a difficult 2013 behind them as they embark upon their Six Nations campaign.

Saint-Andre saw his side lose eight of their international matches last year and finish bottom of the Six Nations table for the first time since 1999.

The former Sale Sharks winger was quick to point out that four of those defeats were to world champions New Zealand however while another was against South Africa and Saint-Andre is determined to see improvements in 2014.

“2013 was a more than difficult year from a results point of view,” Saint-Andre said.

“We embarked on a new cycle, a new generation and the apprenticeship was painful. I hope this year will be the year of effectiveness.

“We’ve got greater aptitude, greater experience. We’re lucky to have played four times against the world champions and against South Africa.

“We gleaned experience against the two best teams in the world. Now we have to show that on the field; it’s good to battle the best, but it’s better to beat them.”