IRELAND’S POOR RECORD against France is one of the key points that the French media have been emphasising in recent days.
However, L’Equipe quotes Imanol Harinordoquy suggesting that the difference between the two teams is not as stark as his side’s excellent record against Ireland would suggest, saying that the French have been inspired by a fear of the Irish in recent years, and adding:
“It’s always been tight matches, the score does not necessarily reflect the game.”
Meanwhile, the paper also suggests Paul O’Connell is Ireland’s key man in the absence of Brian O’Driscoll, describing him as “the soul” of the team.
Le Parisien also features an extensive interview with Harinordoquy, in which he looks back on his career and says that Australia 2003 was his “most beautiful World Cup,” describing it as “a great human adventure”.
Writing in Libération, Gilles Renault suggests that the French have the potential to “dominate” Ireland, despite their underwhelming performance in the opening Six Nations match against Italy.
He also states that Ireland “capitulated” in the last minute against Wales, in what was an otherwise “intense” and “great duel”.
(Danger man: Vincent Clerc has scored a total of eight tries against Ireland – INPHO/Dan Sheridan)
Meanwhile, the Metro focuses on Vincent Clerc, noting his excellent try-scoring record against Ireland (or ‘Clover,’ as they are oddly referred to), while also describing Clerc as “a killer” (N.B. not literally).
France Soir adopts a particularly confident tone from a French supporter’s perspective, noting how since 1986, they have won 31 of the teams’ last 35 encounters, and writing, in relation to the Stade de France, that “even the most cautious [French fans] could go there with closed eyes”.
The paper also claims that Harinordoquy can “counter the power of the Irish forwards,” while it describes how Philippe Saint-Andre has said that his side “have to raise their game against the little green men,” following their less-than-impressive showing against Italy.
And finally, in an interview with Maxime Medard in Le Figaro, the back, who admits he is “shy” and “could do without talking to people,” insists the French side are still capable of exciting rugby.
He also reluctantly describes his love of art, saying:
“I like going to museums, seeing beautiful things… In periods when it goes wrong, it’s the only way to forget rugby. It makes me feel good.”
He also claims that rugby has the potential to be art, describing how “athletic movements can be beautiful”.
Yet despite this assertion, Medard and the rest of the French squad will surely be content with an ugly win on Saturday.
Another poor decision by a ref, very harsh red card
Feel bad for supporters that’s a long trek!
Not if you live in Maigh Eo!
A small point; as you named both teams above, you gave the Dublin team their full names while just the Surnames of the Mayo team. Any reason why???
Is it possible to update from any of the other matches now since BÁC v Maigh Eo has been cancelled? :-)
Hey RG,
We’ll have a round-up of the results later this evening.
So disappointed
because outside pale no one has internet or can read,
As for the long trek GarCPD, welcome to the world of those who have to travel to Croker for every league semi and final and from quarter finals on. 3 or 4 trips out of the capital versus say Kerry who could have up to 10 if they get to both finals. Not having a go at u about it, just that is part of been a GAA fan! :)
Was a good game, we started poorly, the red was harsh enough though. very hard to gauge how it would have gone.
The long trek to deep West will have to be done again! :D