IRELAND WING DAVE Kearney hopes to exploit what he pinpointed as a “soft” France defence in their Six Nations meeting on Saturday.
France laboured to a 23-21 victory over Italy in Paris last weekend, with a late penalty from Jules Plisson rescuing the victory in Guy Noves’s first match at the helm.
On Tuesday, Eddy Ben Arous admitted Les Bleus had been too forgiving in their opener and called for more aggression against Ireland.
However, Kearney believes Joe Schmidt’s team have the capacity to stretch the France defence, though he acknowledged they must be wary of their ability to mount swift attacks.
“The Italians did pretty well last weekend. The French were a bit softer than they usually are, especially outside the 22,” he said.
“They were probably letting the Italians attack too much and guys like [Michele] Campagnaro, they got on the outside and stretched them out wide.
“It’s definitely something we’ve looked at this week, and hopefully that space opens up for us this weekend.
While their attack was good and they threw the ball around, I think they’re going to work on their defensive part of things this week.
“Everybody knows that Guy Noves loves to play that French style of rugby and throw the ball around a lot and the squad that he’s picked shows that.
“The guys that they have throughout the back line, they love to run, especially off broken field-play. They love to run counter-attacks and to offload the ball.”
Kearney highlighted the threat of Fiji-born wing Virimi Vakatawa, who scored a try on his debut in the win over Italy after making the switch from sevens.
“You’ve just got to try and not give as much space as you can,” he said.
“He’s got good footwork, he’s a strong, big guy, so you’ve just go to give him as little space as possible.
“You’ve just got to get into him, get up and as quick as you can.”
What an amazing game. Honestly don’t think words can describe how good it actually was. Not bad for 30+ amateurs. Most of these guys put professional athletes to shame.
Well said Paul
a brilliant brilliant game
What about the daughters? They also deserve to watch a cracking match like that.
Flynnager on Tipps hmmmm tasty ! Gallimhe Abuuuuuuuu!!!!!!!!
People who go on around the rugby football and the ridiculous hype surrounding the impending world World Cup please take note – that was real sport today. Real passion. Just real. Not hype – substance.
Proud to be a GAA man after watching that.
The game of the gods.
gods what gods would you be referring to?
I don’t understand the need to insult other sports. Just sat shouting at my TV for 70 minutes…as a neutral and I’ll shout at my TV for the final. I’ll shout at my TV for the RWC too.
why would you shout at a television nobody can hear you. maybe you could use cortana on windows 10 to shout at now at least there will be a response
because the neighbours like to know how I feel
gud man iam with you on dhat one
Was watching the Chelsea v Man City game today with the oul lad. Switched over to hurling at half time. The Chelsea v Man City game never went back on.
everyone here is very easily pleased by the looks of it
You’re here too stupid
Matt, are you trying real hard to be a dick or is just a natural gift ?