Rory Keane reports from Celtic Manor.
SINCE PHILLIPE SAINT-ANDRE succeeded Marc Lièvremont after the last World Cup, France have flattered to deceive.
Les Bleus have never finished higher than fourth in four Six Nations campaigns under Saint-Andre’s watch. Four different fly-haves have started against Ireland in that quartet of championship matches: Camille Lopez, Remi Tales, Frédéric Michalak and François Trinh-Duc. Inconsistency, baffling selections and a lack of flair have characterised this current regime.
France at the World Cup, however, are a completely different proposition. Three appearances in the final and six semi-finals is testament to that.
Certainly, Ireland are expecting France at their best this Sunday – a point echoed by skills coach Richie Murphy.
“I think their defence has been pretty good in all the games; their line-speed seems to be a bit more together,” said Murphy at Ireland’s team base in Cardiff yesterday.
“They look like they’re fitter; they’re obviously very big and strong. So, I think it’ll be a massive test for us at the weekend, but one that we’re really looking forward to and we feel like we’re in a good enough position, we’re building nicely.
“Obviously, our performance last week wasn’t at the level we’d like it to be at, but we got through a really tough game against Italy who are a good side.
“They’re (Italy) a Tier One team, in the past couple of years they’ve beaten us, they’ve beaten France, you know? When they get you into that situation, it can be hard to get away from them.
“We stuck to our guns and we got through that game, so we’re looking forward for France now, everyone will be in a better place after that Italy game.”
Saint-Andre has turned to Frederic Michalak to steer the French ship for the forthcoming tournament.
The Toulon No 10 has had his ups and downs in the French shirt although, rather ominously, two of his greatest World Cup performances were delivered against Ireland during the 2003 and 2007 editions.
“He is a major threat when he is playing at the top of his game.” said Murphy.
“His goal kicking the last couple of games has been very good as well. He is definitely a guy we will be keeping a close eye on at the weekend, trying to put some pressure on.”
The big question, is can Ireland put him under pressure?
“I think all out-halves can be pressurised,” added Murphy.
“All out-halves rely on good quality ball, so that’s probably where it starts if we can put pressure on them at the breakdown and pressure on them at set-piece; cut off the supply to Freddy off front-foot ball that will put him under pressure himself.”
No doubt, Sean O’Brien and Co will be aiming to do just that on Sunday.
Originally published at 07.30
