Marty Moore might consider getting into the 'family business' and starting his own almanack - the 'k' on the end signifies the English version, first written and published by physician and astrologer, Francis Moore in 1697 and still going to this day, a chronicle that contains amongst other things sporting predictions.
Young Moore's version would be slightly thinner in volume, specifically a pamphlet of thoughts on the challenge posed by France at the Aviva stadium this Saturday. The 23-year old tighthead prop is an engaging interviewee, having become more relaxed and confident in the Ireland squad environment, from the wide-eyed young man who made his debut from the bench against Scotland in last season's Six Nations Championship.
On Saturday he stands to win his seventh cap, the previous six have been as a replacement, a sequence that is unlikely to alter in the short term. Despite usurping Mike Ross as first choice at Leinster on his recent return from surgery, the roles are reversed for the time being in the test arena.
Moore offers a very mature view of the job share. “That’s pro sport. You have to do whatever you can and the decision comes down to the coaches. I’m absolutely to be delighted here. If, four months ago, you had asked me if I would be here, I would have been guessing.
“It’s great to be back in time and to have been able to get those games with Leinster. That gave me the opportunity to get back into this squad.”
Fulfilling the remit of tighthead prop these days is a two-man remit. Moore explained: “When you look across, there’s very few international tightheads that can play 70, 80 minutes but they would be expected to last 60, 65 (minutes). They might turn into passengers after that.”
He added that given the nature of the position and no matter who starts or comes on, it is very hard for a player to maintain a high level of efficiency in all aspects of the game past the 60 or 70-minute mark.
Ross put in an excellent shift last weekend in Rome, one complemented by Moore’s contribution when introduced in the second half. The latter’s footwork in contact is an example to any young forward.
The pair will combine again to try and thwart another big scrum in France on Saturday and for Moore it offers an opportunity to exorcise a little personal disappointment from the corresponding fixture in Paris last year, where he came on as a replacement after 62-minutes in a 22-20 Ireland victory that clinched the Six Nations title.
He explained: “I wasn’t happy with my dealings with them (France) last year so I’m looking forward to getting a chance to right a few things. We know what to expect this time around. I suppose a year is a long time in pro sport. I know what to expect [WITH]what’s coming down the tracks.
“At set-piece time, the French are, not erratic, but you never really know what to expect. It’s never going to be an easy day and, as a more experienced player this year, I know what to expect, in that regard. It’s not about brute force or power. It’s about technical ability. It’s coming back to, and you see it a lot in the press, about young players and their skill sets being more important than just raw size.”
One player with whom Moore is anticipating encountering is giant Clermont Auvergne loosehead Vincent Debaty, who has been added to the French squad for the Ireland match because of injury. Moore admitted: "I think Debaty coming back brings a lot to their front row. He's a very aggressive player; very aggressive in the set-piece and I think he will only add to the side, coming into it.
“I can’t speak for Philippe Saint Andre (if he will start), but he generally does well for France, coming off the bench, and makes a big impact. Whatever way it comes, I’m sure I’ll be squatting down against him at some stage.”
It was Debaty's error that denied France victory last year when his pass to Damien Chouly was correctly ruled forward in the final throes of the contest. Moore expects a similarly tough game on Saturday.
“They’re (France) a powerful team but they’re, also, so dangerous. We know we have to be so disciplined, as a collective. We’re going to have to work very hard. They have a lot of dangerous players that can open up holes, as they did against the Scots.
“They can be on the back-foot when, all of a sudden, (Mathieu) Bastareaud or (Wesley) Fofana cuts back and (Yoann) Huget is off down the wing. They are a team that, even when they are on the back foot, you have to keep pressing forward. You can’t ease off at any stage.”
