FRANCE FULLBACK SCOTT Spedding says his side have “a hell of a task” ahead of them as they begin their preparations for the decisive World Cup Pool D clash with Joe Schmidt’s Ireland on Sunday, 11 October in Cardiff.
Les Bleus delivered a less-than-impressive performance in last night’s 41-18 win over Canada in Milton Keynes, scoring five tries but showing defensive frailties and a lack of attacking cohesion against an energetic Canadian team.
France now have nine days to prepare for the long-anticipated meeting with Ireland in the Millennium Stadium, having won all three of their pool games so far.
“There is always room for improvement,” said fullback Spedding last night at Stadiummk. “We are not playing our best rugby yet. We have our big game next against Ireland and hopefully we will be at our peak against them.”
I think it’s really important to have a 100% record. It allows you to build confidence.”
Spedding pointed out that no team has ever lost a pool game and gone on to win a World Cup. So far so good in that regard for France before next weekend.
First, Schmidt’s Ireland face Italy on Sunday in Olympic Park, when a win would mean they too have had victory in their three opening games.
Ireland’s 50-7 win over Canada looks more impressive given the stress Kieran Crowley’s side placed on the French last night, and a strong win over the Italians would further boost confidence before that meeting with les Bleus.
“It is a massive step up,” said Spedding. “Ireland have shown that by winning the Six Nations numerous times.
“They have been number two in the world, they have had some really convincing performances at this World Cup and if we are to match them, or even beat them, we have a hell of a task ahead.”
Out-half Frédéric Michalak was man of the match last night as he became France’s all-time record points scorer at World Cups, his total of 136 taking him past Thierry Lacroix.
France coach Philippe Saint-André welcomed the good showing from this first-choice out-half, having come under some criticism for picking the Toulon man and leaving François Trinh-Duc at home for this World Cup.
I think a lot of people say I was crazy that I pick Freddie Michalak,” said Saint-André. “I think he showed since the friendly games he is a class player.
“The first half was great, we kept the ball and were clever in our game plan. Then after 30 minutes, we lost our intensity and lost two contests in the air allowing the Canadians to take advantage. We got the bonus point so we can be satisfied.
“We reached our first objective, three wins and 14 points and qualified for the quarter-finals, so now we have to prepare for Ireland and our target is to finish top of the group.”
