25 Oct 2011

French captain goes from low to high after picking up IRB award

1:43 pm on 25 October 2011

The France rugby captain Thierry Dusatoir says he's been on an emotional roller coaster over the last 48 hours after being named the IRB player of the year at last night's awards less than a day after losing the world cup final by just one point.

The French proved their doubters wrong with a passionate performance in the 8-7 loss to the All Blacks at Eden Park, Dusatoir epitomising their commitment with powerful running and aggressive defence.

The 29-year-old loose forward pipped a trio of All Blacks and a pair of Wallabies to claim the title of world's best and while Dusatoir says he's honoured to receive the award, he concedes he would give it up in a second for a world cup trophy.