Rugby: France need to tighten up discipline before meeting Ireland

ROME – France claimed their 14th consecutive victory when they edged out Italy 29-24 in their Six Nations opener last Sunday, but know that their lack of discipline will not go unpunished against Ireland on Saturday.

Fabien Galthie’s side prevailed thanks to a late try by replacement fly half Matthieu Jalibert after Italy had made the most of 18 penalties in their favour at the Stadio Olimpico.

“We were not disciplined enough, we were not clear-headed enough and we were unable to correct that despite talking about it at half-time,” said captain Antoine Dupont, after France’s ill discipline culminated in a yellow card for Charles Ollivon in the 50th minute.

Holders France were often penalised at the ruck, one of their usual strong points, by referee Matthew Carley, and coach Galthie said they would need to have a discussion with the officials of their next game to have a clear idea of how they should behave in Dublin.

“We will need to have a chat with Wayne Barnes to see how he wants the game to be played,” said Galthie.

“There were some positives today because we won and also got the bonus point, but the performance was not good. Our behaviour was sanctioned, we got a yellow card and made fouls when we were not in danger.

“Discipline is a part of rugby. It’s something we can correct quickly.”

Lock Thibaud Flament was all the more frustrated as France had been working on discipline in their preparation.

“It is something we had worked on but obviously it did not show. Also on the line-outs and scrums, where we are usually strong, we did not manage to do what we wanted,” he said.

France’s task was also made difficult by Italy, who beat Australia and Wales in 2022 and came out with all guns blazing in Rome.

“It’s not the Italy we knew in the Five Nations, or earlier in the Six Nations,” said France winger Ethan Dumortier, who scored a try in his first international appearance.

Coach of world No. 1 side Ireland, Andy Farrell, was similarly wary about second-ranked France, calling facing them in Paris “the test of all tests”.

He said: “There is no doubt about it, it is the test of all tests at this moment in time. Everyone knows how well France are playing.”

He noted how a previous examination in Paris has helped his side develop into the team they are today. In 2020, the Irish lost 35-27 in the French capital to miss out on the chance of winning the Six Nations crown.

“The great test for this group is we learnt a lot of lessons about ourselves in Paris on that night,” said Farrell, whose team thrashed Wales 34-10 in Cardiff on Saturday. 

“It was a big game when we could have got across the line for the Six Nations and we didn’t deliver on the big stage.

“I feel the group have grown since then. I suppose the proof will be in the pudding.”

Irish centre James Hume, who made his Six Nations debut in the 29-7 win over Wales in Dublin a year ago, added: “It’s obviously a huge challenge away to France and it would be huge to get a win. That would obviously fuel momentum but it is a huge job.” REUTERS