French revolution 'taking shape' after Ireland rout

Monday 15 February 2010
Published By: Ben Welch
Six Nations > France

France dashed Ireland's Six Nations hopes and ended their impressive unbeaten record in one fell swoop on Saturday, then vowed to get even better.

Les Bleus dominated the Irish in every area of the field in the game at the Stade de France, and their hopes of a Six Nations Grand Slam are now looking rosy.

For Ireland, it is back to the drawing board, but Leinster centre Gordon D'Arcy pulled no punches when giving his assessment of his side's performance and the match in general, branding it an "a***-kicking".

Brendan Gallagher, writing for the Daily Telegraph, paid tribute to France coach Marc Lievremont and said the French revolution he has initiated could soon take the rugby world by storm.

"This masterly dismissal of Ireland, who arrived in Paris unbeaten in their last 12 Tests, was a triumph to excite the masses and send them into a perishing Parisien night with a warm glow," he said.

The half-back pairing of Morgan Parra and Francois Trinh-Duc also received praise from Mr Gallagher, who pointed out that the dangerous duo are blossoming into two serious contenders on the world stage.

Meanwhile, the changing of the guard was no more evident than in the centre of the field, where Mathieu Bastareaud got the upper hand over the great Brian O'Driscoll.

At this rate, the Six Nations title could be a walkover, especially with the supposedly strongest contenders brushed aside so easily and England still facing a trip to the Stade de France, all of which could leave the Triple Crown as the star attraction.

"You cannot dismiss their unbeaten record going into this contest, but Ireland's visit to England does now suddenly become a pivotal encounter," Mr Gallagher said.

Posted by Ben Welch