I have no intention of leaving, said the All Blacks legend who ended up with the wooden spoon for the first time since replacing Brad Johnstone as coach in 2002.

The Italians had avoided finishing bottom of the table by beating Wales and Scotland in the previous two campaigns.

For me, its a big blow to get the wooden spoon, Kirwan said.

We were supposed to win against Scotland, but we didnt. The important thing is, however, is that we have improved.

The Scots won their clash at Murrayfield this year after Italy missed several penalties, while the hosts converted all theirs.

The Italians battled hard in the first half against the French, but Les Bleus ripped them apart over the final 20 minutes.

For me, the team has shown an improvement, insisted Kirwan, who is contracted to lead the national side through the 2007 World Cup in France.

However, he has faced a lot of criticism in Italy for not getting winning results.

Teams now respect us when we go onto the pitch, he said.

Now we have to take a leap of quality.

We have to continue to work hard, and I want to continue to do my job.

France have not been at their best this season but in the second half in Rome they looked unstoppable.

I have seen a great France, Kirwan said.

We wanted to play a good game, and we managed to hold them for 60 minutes, but then they showed their quality.

Mistakes cost us a lot, and France have made us pay.