Laurent Bénézech (Consultant for L'Équipe) on Ireland and in particular EOS

Steffano2002

L'&#201 wrote: »

Un mot sur l'Irlande qui reste sur une victoire dans la douleur contre l'Italie (16-11) mais aussi sur une défaite en Coupe du monde face à la France.

(Ironique) Ce qui est rassurant pour les adversaires de l'Irlande, c'est que l'entraîneur Eddie O'Sullivan est toujours à un très haut niveau de performance (sourire). J'en veux pour exemple lors de Toulouse-Leinster, j'ai vu un ailer performant, Luke Fitzgerald, qui a inscrit deux essais et m'a impressionné. Or l'entraîneur irlandais a sélectionné un ailier du Leinster certes, mais pas le même, puisqu'il a préféré prendre Rob Kearney. Pour moi, ça résume assez bien la clairvoyance de l'entraîneur irlandais qui est en train de finir d'enterrer la meilleure génération de joueurs que l'Irlande a eue depuis les années 1970.

A word on Ireland who struggled to beat Italy and lost to France in the RWC.

(Ironic) What's reassuring for the Irish is that Eddie O'Sullivan is still at a high performance level (Smile). For example, during Leinster -v- Toulouse, I saw an impressive winger, Luke Fitzgerald, who scored two tries and he really impressed me. The Irish Coach did indeed select a Leinster winger, but not this one, as he preferred picking Rob Kearney. For me, this sums up the overall vision ("clairvoyance" = ?) of the Irish Coach who is in the process of finishing to burry the best generation of players Ireland has seen since the 70s.

That made me laugh! I know a lot of Irish fans don't think Luke Fitzgerald has his spot in the Irish squad but it's the first time I see Laurent Bénézech taking a dig at somebody like that!

That said, I think Ireland is in a very strong position to beat the French on Saturday. We're experimenting against an experienced team... We'll see sure!

Rattlehead_ie

Steff, really you think Ireland have a chance of beating ye, your crazy, stop working so hard . I agree with Bénézech Fitzgerald should be in the 22 and defo, maybe not against the french, but should have been against Itialians and possibley the Scotish starting 15, to give him international game time and experience. I do still believe he is too small and hasn't enough experience yet, but given those two he would be a fine player and addition to the Irish Squad.

Couldant agree with him more about the

the Irish Coach who is in the process of finishing to burry the best generation of players Ireland has seen since the 70s.

Steffano2002

Well, we're taking huge risks with new players that may not be at international level. And Ireland, although grossly mis-managed, are still a very, ver tough opponent.

We struggled in two key areas against Scotland: the line-out and the scrum. IMO, Ireland are very good at both. Our backs are good but if the fat guys can't get them the ball what's the point? We'll see how it goes on Saturday! My fingers are crossed for France!

tHE vAGGABOND

IMHO Luke Fitz cant defend, and until he sorts out his game on the backfoot I cant see a massive interenational career for him..

bugler

With Mas in at TH French superiority at the scrum is guaranteed.

Won't matter how experimental the French side are IMO, this Irish team is way off-colour. We haven't been able to beat you when at our peak, what hope now?

Rattlehead_ie

Ireland aint got a good line out...... although Jackmans throwing when came on (except for the 1st) was pretty good, so yeah here is hoping. Anyway just talking to the bro and he had a laugh at the buring the best team since 70s

Steffano2002

Rattlehead_ie wrote: »

[...] Anyway just talking to the bro and he had a laugh at the buring the best team since 70s

And how's the hairy b@st@rd?

Tell him I said hello!

nacho libre

Ireland to get their first win in eight years on French soil. 'BOD' to roll back the years and run riot...:D

Steffano2002

nacho libre wrote: »

Ireland to get their first win in eight years on French soil. 'BOD' to roll back the years and run riot...:D

Ok, let's not push it now!

I still haven't swallowed that game back in 2000...

mc23

After the stories L'Équipe published about ROG during the world cup I would rank it somewhere between the sun and the daily sport for journalistic integrity.

buck65

France by 12

Amz

Ah, I can't really see anything other than a French win. I just hope we don't have too many cock ups and show ourselves up too much.

(Aside: Were any of you guys who play for Tallaght playing in Old Belvo on Wednesday? Was watching the game and wondered if I knew any of ye from here).