SPEAKING to Irish Rugby TV this week was scrumhalf Conor Murray. Ireland will be looking to pick themselves up from a disappointing result in round one against Wales because up next this Sunday are tournament favourites France.
Despite the defeat Ireland made a great account of themselves in Cardiff with just fourteen players on the pitch. Munster backrower Peter O’Mahony was sent off on 13 minutes for an illegal clear-out and as Murray pointed out, Andy Farrell’s men adapted brilliantly in the circumstances.
“There was a lot of positives in terms of the way we defended, the way we attacked, the breakdown, speed of ball and a good few other things. I suppose the access we gave them into the game in the third twenty minutes [hey] converted opportunities in our 22 which defensively looking back is a little bit frustrating but not giving them access in the first place is the most fixable thing we can concentrate on this week.”
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“When it gets its most difficult is when you’re trying to attack and keep your shape. I thought we fought hard for eachother and worked really hard for eachother and it’s really disappointing but there is so much to be positive about leading into such a big game against such a good side.”
This week’s opponents France enjoyed a 50-10 first round hammering of Italy last Saturday. With talented forwards, a free-flowing backline led by breath-taking number nine Antoine Dupont and a miserly defence coached by Shaun Edwards, Ireland will certainly need to be at their best to stop Les Bleus. Ireland definitely showed impressive character and were constructive at times against Wales but Murray knows his team will need to take it to the next level come Sunday afternoon.
“If we played poorly over there [in Cardiff] and didn’t fire any shots you’d be a lot more edgy this week, whereas we have a lot of positives to take from it and we want to get better. We’re hugely excited about what this group can bring. We showed a bit of it last week and we have to show it this week.”
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