MIKE ROSS WAS feeling positive following Ireland’s comfortable win over Italy in their Six Nations opener yesterday.
While Joe Schmidt admitted his side needed to improve ahead of their forthcoming clash with France, they still had little trouble dispatching a disappointing Italian outfit.
The prop also acknowledged that he needed to make an impact in the green jersey, following his recent exclusion from the Leinster teams that beat Castres and drew with Wasps.
“Well I had a big task on my shoulders, Joe gave me the responsibility of starting against the Italians, he didn’t have to do that, so a big performance was required,” he said.
“It’s good for the confidence, but at the same time, Joe’s pretty ruthless, if you don’t deliver then his faith in you will only run so far.”
The 35-year-old was also satisfied with Ireland’s scrummaging, citing statistics as evidence of their superiority in that area.
“I think we were 100 per cent on our own ball as far as I’m aware and I think we disrupted a couple of their put-ins, so that’s a good result for us.”
Ross paid tribute to Ian Keatley who, with Jonny Sexton unavailable, was preferred to Ian Madigan at outhalf.
“You really have to give credit to Ian Keatley on his Six Nations debut.
“He kicked his points, put in some great touch-finders and it’s really good for a forward to see that ball sailing into touch and know you’ve got a lineout where you can put pressure on them.
“We nicked a few of their balls so it was a good day for him.”
He also expects a particularly tough battle against France next week, and Ross is looking forward to the challenge of facing their scrum.
“There aren’t too many international packs around today that are an easy ride to be fair, every game is tough.
“We put in a good shift against them last year, they’ll be remembering that and looking to be putting pressure on us at home.
“They will hold onto what happened last year because it’s a huge pride thing for them.
“Some French lads can get really fired up if the scrum’s not going well for them, so you have to be ready for the battle.”
In addition, Ross expressed sympathy for teammate Sean O’Brien, who was a late withdrawal after injuring his hamstring in the warm-up, though he remained optimistic that the ‘Tullow Tank’ will be back from his latest setback sooner rather than later.
“It’s tough for Seanie, he’s fought his way back and fought very hard — there has been a lot of work gone into his rehab.
“But I don’t think it’s too bad, it’s more precautionary, so hopefully he’ll be fighting fit and he can get the shirt next week.”
