IRELAND’S POOR RECORD against France is one of the key points that the French media have been emphasising in recent days.
However, L’Equipe quotes Imanol Harinordoquy suggesting that the difference between the two teams is not as stark as his side’s excellent record against Ireland would suggest, saying that the French have been inspired by a fear of the Irish in recent years, and adding:
“It’s always been tight matches, the score does not necessarily reflect the game.”
Meanwhile, the paper also suggests Paul O’Connell is Ireland’s key man in the absence of Brian O’Driscoll, describing him as “the soul” of the team.
Le Parisien also features an extensive interview with Harinordoquy, in which he looks back on his career and says that Australia 2003 was his “most beautiful World Cup,” describing it as “a great human adventure”.
Writing in Libération, Gilles Renault suggests that the French have the potential to “dominate” Ireland, despite their underwhelming performance in the opening Six Nations match against Italy.
He also states that Ireland “capitulated” in the last minute against Wales, in what was an otherwise “intense” and “great duel”.
Meanwhile, the Metro focuses on Vincent Clerc, noting his excellent try-scoring record against Ireland (or ‘Clover,’ as they are oddly referred to), while also describing Clerc as “a killer” (N.B. not literally).
France Soir adopts a particularly confident tone from a French supporter’s perspective, noting how since 1986, they have won 31 of the teams’ last 35 encounters, and writing, in relation to the Stade de France, that “even the most cautious [French fans] could go there with closed eyes”.
The paper also claims that Harinordoquy can “counter the power of the Irish forwards,” while it describes how Philippe Saint-Andre has said that his side “have to raise their game against the little green men,” following their less-than-impressive showing against Italy.
And finally, in an interview with Maxime Medard in Le Figaro, the back, who admits he is “shy” and “could do without talking to people,” insists the French side are still capable of exciting rugby.
He also reluctantly describes his love of art, saying:
“I like going to museums, seeing beautiful things… In periods when it goes wrong, it’s the only way to forget rugby. It makes me feel good.”
He also claims that rugby has the potential to be art, describing how “athletic movements can be beautiful”.
Yet despite this assertion, Medard and the rest of the French squad will surely be content with an ugly win on Saturday.
