Thoughts Turn To France

Having chalked up their third RBS Six Nations win of this year’s Championship, Irish thoughts now turn to the visit of champions France to Lansdowne Road on Saturday, March 12 (kick-off 1.30pm).

Eddie O’Sullivan’s men have won three on the trot without hitting top form, and while les Bleus – beaten 24-18 by Grand Slam hopefuls Wales on Saturday – have been at the erratic best, the Ireland coach knows his side will nevertheless, need to be set for another stiff challenge.

“France were shell-shocked at the end of their game against Wales. They (France) would have thought at half-time they were going to win that game by 20 points, but you have to give credit to Wales because I don’t know many teams who would have sustained that sort of pressure and survived,” he commented.

“It was a phenomenal defensive performance – and when Wales got the breaks they shell-shocked France by taking the two tries.

“I am not sure what that will do for France. Will France come to Dublin with a different team? Will they come to Dublin more galvanised by losing that game? One thing we do know is that we have to be ready to play them.

“They showed phenomenal skill and power against Wales. They have incredible pace in the backs, who are very big strong men. It is another day’s work that has to be done, but we are looking forward to it,” added O’Sullivan.

2003’s try-less 15-12 win – when David Humphreys kicked four penalties, allied to a first-minute Geordan Murphy drop goal – is O’Sullivan’s only success in four meetings with the French.