Captaining France to their first ever World Cup trophy in England next year would set the seal on flanker Thierry Dusautoir's stellar career he said on Tuesday.
The Ivory Coast-born Toulouse star -- who turns 33 in November --- has not enjoyed the best of times either with club or country since he captained France to a surprise place in the 2011 World Cup final where they were judged by many to have been unlucky to lose 8-7 to hosts the All Blacks.
Dusautoir, who was named world player of the year on the back of his performances for France in that World Cup, is far from disheartened by his experiences since and is firmly of the camp that looking ahead rather than behind him is the best cure for all ills.
"Playing in a World Cup final (in 2011) has not happened to too many players in the world, and after that it would have been even better to have been crowned champions but we just fell short," said the 'Dark Destroyer'.
That nickname he earned for his fearless tackling especially when France upset the All Blacks in the 2007 World Cup quarter-finals where his total of 38 tackles was two more than the whole of their opponents managed.
"It doesn't get much better than playing the All Blacks at Eden Park, but I always think the most important match is the next one and so I hope my best experience is still to come."
Dusautoir, who won the first of his 67 caps against Romania in 2006 and has captained France a record 43 times, said that despite their poor form under national head coach Philipp Saint-Andre his dream was that experience he talked about would be another World Cup final .but with a different result.
"Of course, maybe not against the All Blacks but in any case that is what we are working towards, we are not though training to play in another final but to win it," said Dusautoir, who didn't take up rugby till he was 16 as he preferred judo.
Dusautoir, who has at club level accrued trophies rather easier than at international level with five French titles (including two with his former club Biarritz) and one European Cup with Toulouse in 2010, said the upcoming November tests against Fiji, Argentina and Australia were especially important with the World Cup less than a year away.
"It is clear that the target of the French team at the end of this finishing straight will be the World Cup," sauid Dusautoir.
"Over the past two years the results have not been satisfying and we are conscious that we are behind in comparison to the southern hemisphere countries.
"We will continue to look for answers, notably on offence."
Dusautoir, whose sole trophy in his eight year international career was the 2010 Grand Slam under former coach Marc Lievremont, said that while defeats hurt him he had to shoulder the responsiblities that come with being captain.
"When one is captain, one is always affected by the team's results," said Dusautoir.
"When we lose obviously one feels responsible, one searches for reasons as to why it happened. Then also there is no point in torturing oneself over it, it is more important to think of your team-mates and rebuild their confidence."
Dusautoir, who ensured he would have another avenue to explore professionally if his playing career did not pan out as he has a science degree, admitted that with his contract with Toulouse due to expire at the end of the season he could find himself playing in England.
"The English championship is something that has always pleased me, but nothing is set in stone over my future," said Dusautoir.
"There have of course been contacts with clubs, but nothing has been decided."
Source: AFP
