If nothing else, the nature of the performance and win over Italy last Sunday will not fill Ireland with delusions of grandeur before facing France. Already aware they will be facing an altogether more settled, better prepared, focussed and fitter French side than in Six Nations' mode, Seán O'Brien for one believes last Sunday's struggle may be a timely reality check.
Reflecting on the handling errors and ill-discipline that stymied their momentum against Italy, O’Brien said yesterday. “It’s all stuff that’s within our own control. In fairness to the Italians, they caused a lot of problems and it was probably no harm that we had a test like that leading into a week like this.”
Without stating that Ireland were in any way complacent, O’Brien also admitted that: “It is going to be mentally a different challenge. We got a rude awakening on the physicality side of things and it’s going to be another step up this week. You have to get your head around that. They’re a far more dangerous side as well. We’re going to have to be on our game this week and we know what we have to do.”
Ireland are unbeaten in their last four meetings with France but even before the tournament started O'Brien foresaw the French would be a different animal altogether in World Cup mode, and nothing he has seen here has altered that view.
“No, it wouldn’t. Their history speaks for itself in World Cups. They’re a very dangerous side. I think they’ve got to six semi-finals since it started. They’re always a very different team in World Cups and they’ve caused a lot of teams problems and this week is going to be no different.”
O’Brien made 14 carries against Italy, ten times getting over the gain line in making some hard yards, albeit seeing less of the ball as Ireland resorted to more of a kicking game after half-time. He also took umbrage over the claim that he conceded two penalties, pointing out he only conceded one, as well as taking comfort in the way Ireland closed the game out, and overall was “happier” with his performance
“I got my hands on a bit more ball and I’ve been busy enough while I was on the field. Probably I need a bit more fluidity into my game and hopefully that will come with another 60 under my belt last week.”
For his down day on Wednesday, he and Rory Best intend visiting “a grass management farm. We’re just going to have a look around it.” Heretofore, there hasn’t been too much down time.
“It’s been busy. Our days are filled between training and media obligations and what not. It’s been busy. On our days off lads either play a few holes of golf or chill out and go for dinner or lunch somewhere, or do whatever they want to do themselves. It’s been busy, but it’s been good as well. We’ve enjoyed our time together.”
They’ll enjoy it a whole bunch more if they win on Sunday.
