Paul O'Connell admits Ireland's failings during their RBS 6 Nations opener against Wales offer a blueprint on how to lose to France.
Only victory in Paris will be sufficient if the Irish are to revive the title aspirations damaged by Sunday's controversial 23-21 defeat at the Aviva Stadium. Wales won with a final-minute penalty that a Six Nations disciplinary hearing declared should never have been awarded, yet unconvincing Ireland also contributed to their own downfall.
O'Connell accepts that a repeat performance in the French capital, where they have won just once since 1972, will lead to ruin, and said: "Our record in Paris is certainly a frustrating factor. You can't give France anything easily over there and that's what we did against Wales."
He added: "We gave away easy yards and turned over possession too easily. That's nearly a blueprint for not winning in Paris.
"France gather momentum when they're playing well, so we can't afford to concede that momentum. We must be accurate and enthusiastic.
"It will be a massive challenge because they're an excellent side. They looked very good at times against Italy last weekend.
"But when you look at our team and the experience we have, we can certainly do it."
Ireland are braced for sub-zero conditions at the Stade de France on Saturday night with the temperature predicted to fall to minus seven by kick-off.
France winger Vincent Clerc has declared there is "reason for concern", but coach Declan Kidney is reluctant to consider the ramifications of the weather at this stage.
"We've not discussed the temperature. We'll have to wait until we step off the plane and feel it," said Kidney. "It's one of those uncontrollables. We just have to work off the premise that it will be the same for them as it is for us."
Comment 1 - 5 of 5
It seems as though the 4th Ref will eventually have to be brought into important pitch decisions such as those that affected last Sundays game, and others in recent years. The pitch ref does not have eyes in the back of his head, and neither it seems are the linesmen up to providing guidance at crucial times. Perhaps the 4th ref could be called Deciding Judge, rather like Hawkeye in tennis, or the third umpire in cricket?
Ireland lost to France, Grand Slam, by kicking a penalty instead of going to touch and closing the games down. Same last Saturday. Why one of the worst kickers we have ever had is allowed to give the ball to the other side is beyond me. Last 5 minutes. Kick to touch, keep control of the game.
we look forward to Pearson's performance tomorrow. What is his problem. He now stands at Pearson 1 Ulster 0 and Pearson 1 Ireland 0. He should never be allowed near anything more than under 13s. He always has to be the top man. We used to think a good ref was nearly invisible. Pearson wants to shine. Ireland robbed twice against Wales. Why was Phillips now carded for the deliberate obstruction on Tommy Bole? Is it because he's from Wales?
the penalty was given because of the "dangerous" tackle - if the tackle was deemed not to be dangerous in the hearing, on what grounds was the penalty awarded?
It's neither here nor there really, Ireland failed to close off the game when they had the chance, gave too much possession to the Welsh and paid the price for it.
How can a disciplinary hearing state a penalty should not have been awarded.Please get your facts right.i beleive the hearing decided a yellow card should not have been awarded.
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