France 48
Australia 0
Ryan Bailey reports from the Belfield Bowl, UCD
IF ANYONE WAS under any illusions of the size of the tasking face Ireland in Thursday’s Pool C decider, a powerful and imposing French outfit sent out a clear statement of intent by dispatching Australia.
This was supposedly billed as one of the headline games of the day, and while the atmosphere lived up to that under the lights at the Bowl, this was as much a one-way contest as we’ve seen in the tournament.
From the off, France were utterly dominant in all facets of the game and battered their way into control of the contest from as early as the six minute before going on to score seven more tries (eight in total).
With a partisan following urging them on from the stands, Samuel Cherouk’s side are a force to be reckoned with and followed Wednesday’s hammering of Japan up with a similarly comprehensive win here.
Some of the Ireland squad stayed behind after their win over Japan to take a closer look at Thursday’s opponents for a clash which will decide the team who automatically progresses from Pool C, but they will have watched on with some concern.
Shannon Izar was the latest player in this tournament to score a hat-trick of tries and Les Blues showed their ruthless edge to maintain top spot in the pool.
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Is he Welsh?
@Trevor Beacom: nope born in England to two Irish parents
Looking forward to John Cooney coming to Ulster. He could surprise a few people if he stays fit and if he gets game time. Paul Marshall really always has been an impact player. It will be interesting to see if he can gel with PJ and how well he can develop.