British & Irish Lions
• British & Irish Lions tour Australia in 2013
Ireland Rugby
Paris Drought….
Eddie O’Sullivan is hoping to end the Paris drought this weekend, with just one win in Paris since 1972!
The last win over the French was in 2000 when a hat-trick of tries by Brian O’Driscoll resulted in a 27-25 victory.
The heat is definitely on after last weeks performance, O’Sullivan knows it, but explains that it is the same every year:
“You’re always under pressure in the Six Nations because it’s the competition we use as our benchmark. It’s a battle of intensity and endurance so of course there’s pressure, but it’s the same every year.
“I know there’s talking going on outside camp about other things but I can’t but into that – it’s not going to make me do a better job.
“In fact, it would detract from my job. All that matters is what happens inside the camp and we want a big Six Nations.
“We got over the hurdle against Italy. It was ugly, but we still got over it. I’ll just stay busy and get on with my work. There is only time for work in the Six Nations,” he added.
“From the moment you wake up to putting your head down, there is always something going on, so you just get on with it.
“Putting time and energy into thinking about these things is wasted time and energy. You can’t control what people write or say. People have opinions but it’s only talk at the end of the day.”
The replacements for the Italy game that now make it into the full squad give the group a different dynamic Eddie explains:
“The three lads came off the bench (against Italy) into the cauldron of Six Nations rugby and did well. They offer us a different dynamic.
“It’s good to give them a shot against France. They’ve put themselves in the frame but now the pressure is on to deliver on their form. They’re up for it and that’s why I put them in there.
“I looked at the performance of Jackman and Heaslip when they came off the bench and balanced that against what they might bring to the game in Paris and decided to give them a chance.
“Carrying the football has been one of the highlights of their game with Leinster. Going to Paris with some extra ball carriers is a good thing. I think it’s fair to give them a start.
“There’s a big difference between coming off the bench in a Six Nations game and starting a Six Nations game. It’s a reward for that. It’s the same with Rob Kearney – he came off the bench much earlier against Italy and also did very well.”
He went on to explain that the Genesis report’s recommendation of a backs coach was a matter of finding the right person, and it’s definitely not a priority now – but the Six Nations is!