How things change in International Rugby. Just over three
weeks ago, when this was meant to be the second game in the championship for
both sides, France were generally considered to be one of the two teams going
for a Grand Slam along with Wales. Another week on and that’s still the status
quo, but it’s fair to say that things are going to get a more difficult for
Phliipe Saint Andre from now on.
Wins over the two teams generally considered to be the
tournament’s weakest – Italy and Scotland – have set Les Bleus up nicely for a
Grand Slam charge but things are sure to get more difficult with 3 games in
three weeks against Ireland, England and Wales.
Les Bleus did little to dispel the tag of tournament
favourites against Italy in week 1, giving up 60% of the ball and 66% of
territory but still making the most of the chances they had, running in four
tries from their best four breaks and winning by a comfortable 18 points.
It was exactly the same story against Scotland, but with far
more risk involved. One can’t fail to commend the way they bounced back from
10-0 down against the Scottish at Murayfield, but they could have conceded at
least double the two tries that Scotland scored, with Ross Ford and Mike Blair
both isolated after excellent line breaks.
Like most of the team, Morgan Parra (seen left) and Francois Trinh Duc
struggled with their kicking against Scotland while hooker Dimitri Szarzewski
tackled poorly, and in areas where Ireland excel – Their win against Australia
was little more than a few months ago – all three will need to sharpen up.
It should be remembered that all France had to do is win and
win they did but this will be a significant test for the French and one they
must face without the match winning Tryscorer on Sunday, Maxime Medard, ruled
out for 6-9 months after tearing his cruciate ankle ligaments.
Clement Poitrenaud has long been seen as 6 of one and half a
dozen of the other – when things got tough against England (his last test
appearance) he crumbled under the high ball, but a similar performance to the
one he put in against Italy in 2010 when man of the match would be gratefully
appreciated by Saint Andre, especially up against Rob Kearney, who was so
impressive against Italy last week . Lionel Beauxis seemed to be in good touch
when brought on against
In both matches they’ve given up the majority of possession
– something which suggests that counter attack rugby suits Andre’s side more
than most – and it will be interesting to see how much possession they’re
willing to give up against an Ireland side with the tactical nous and options
available to them.
Declan Kidney’s side put 10 more points on the board than
France did against Italy on home turf (although they took far more possession
and looked in trouble for the opening half hour) so while France’s exceptional
home record understandably sees them as short as 2/7 for this, this looks to
more even than the bookmakers suggest.
That would lend the selection to Ireland on the handicap,
but it would be foolish to assume that France can’t up their game with two
matches on their back and they just get the vote to edge out Ireland and keep
their Grand Slam hopes alive, although it’s hard to forsee this being by a
margin of more than 1-12.
Advice
3 pts France to win by 1-12 points (6/4 Stan James)
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