LONDON: France's inspirational captain Thierry Dusautoir refuses to talk about whether Saturday's epic 55-35 Six Nations defeat to England would be his last ever in the tournament.
The 33-year-old -- who was world player of the year in 2011 thanks largely to his superb performances in leading France to the final where they only lost 8-7 to hosts New Zealand -- told AFP he was focussing on the World Cup in England later this year.
"It really isn't the question for today," said Dusautoir.
"It was an important tournament because I became a father during the campaign. On the sporting side of things despite the criticism I received I was up for it.
"Aside from all that I am still hungry to play in the matches of the highest level.
"I will prepare for the World Cup, get through the World Cup itself and afterwards we will see. Reflecting on the future for me is for after all that.
"But if yesterday was my last match in the Six Nations, it was a beautiful way to finish on," added the Toulouse flanker.
Dusautoir, born in the Ivory Coast to a French father and an Ivorian mother and who came to France as a young boy, added the criticism had annoyed him.
"To get 18/20 in every match is not possible," said Dusautoir, who really sprang to people's notice when he produced more tackles in the stunning 2007 World Cup quarter-final win over the All Blacks than all the New Zealanders put together.
"After that I find it a pity that to justify damning a team you have to find a scapegoat.
"I was given a good mauling in the press after the loss to Ireland (18-11 in February in Dublin). But the coaches congratulated me in front of the squad because I had slowed down seven Irish attacks which allowed the defence to get back and re-organise.
"It is not exactly something that is obvious to the eye or stands out but I don't give a damn, the important thing is that I am of use to the team.
"At the time, I was a little aggrieved. My career is what it is, but it deserves a little more respect."
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