Advertisement
Mind Games

Saint-André: 'Ireland are favourites, the pressure is all on their shoulders'

The France head coach is expecting Joe Schmidt to unleash the moves he has been holding back.

Murray Kinsella reports from the Vale Resort

FRANCE COACH PHILIPPE Saint-André says the pressure is all on Ireland ahead of Sunday’s huge World Cup clash in Cardiff.

Phillipe Saint-Andre Saint-André was in jovial form this morning as he named his XV. James Crombie / INPHO James Crombie / INPHO / INPHO

Saint-André pointed to Ireland’s strong recent record against les Bleus, two wins and two draws in the last four years, and their back-to-back Six Nations titles as the main reasons Joe Schmidt’s side will have the onus on them to perform.

“The pressure is on Ireland,” said Saint-André. “They are the favourites and all the pressure is on their shoulders.

“I think Ireland are a good team and we need to be more focused on our game. It will be a great game, fifth against sixth in the world. My guys are starving to play this match.

“We know Ireland’s strengths. They have a good carrying game, but they also have an excellent kicking game and are strong in the air.”

Saint-André continued the theme of the week at the Vale Resort by answering queries in French and English in a good-humoured and relaxed fashion.

Morgan Parra can provide world-class kicking off the bench, said the former Toulon coach, after deflecting a somewhat critical question as to why the Clermont playmaker was not starting.

Frédéric Michalak retains the 10 shirt for France and Saint-André backed the out-half to have a big game opposite Johnny Sexton.

“When you are a class player, you are born with it,” said Saint-André. “Freddie was born with class. He was very unlucky with bad injuries, he’s back, he’s fit and he’s more experienced. He’s like a nice red wine, always getting better.”

Asked why the French feel they are a more cohesive unit at this World Cup than at any other time in his tenure, Saint-André pointed to the fact that les Bleus have rarely had the opportunity to prepare as well as they have for this tournament.

“Because the guys play 40 games a year, because I have them for such a short time usually,” said Saint-André. “Because they can be exhausted when they get into camp.

“It’s a completely different team this time. Ireland are very focused about their national team, us, we would like to be more focused.”

There have been suggestions for a number of weeks now that Joe Schmidt has held back plays and structures that he believes can ideally break down the French, and Saint-André feels that will prove to be the case.

He says his players simply need to believe in their defensive skills, expect the unexpected and react with composure.

“I’m sure they have held some plays back to beat us,” said Saint-André. “We need to react to those plays as they happen, we need to respond well in defence if and when they do use them.”

Letter from France camp: Les Blues incredibly confident for Ireland clash

‘If Racing are going to say that he was cranky, maybe they need to look at themselves’

Your Voice
Readers Comments
20
    Submit a report
    Please help us understand how this comment violates our community guidelines.
    Thank you for the feedback
    Your feedback has been sent to our team for review.