Ireland will struggle defensively against France unless changes are made.

As I predicted, Gordon D'Arcy and Fergus Mcfadden were woeful in defense against the Welsh.

Admittedly the first Welsh try was simple exploitation of an overlap, but D'Arcy made a poor attempt to barge Jonathan Davies into touch. The second try was just awful defense from the Irish centres, both tackling too high and bouncing off George North. The last Welsh try was, once again, a reflection of weak Irish defense. Despite Ireland committing three tacklers to North, he crashed through to score.

I fear a demolition job at the Stade de France if Ireland do not address their defensive frailties. The power of Rougerie (6ft 4 and 104kg) and Malzieu (6ft 4 and 95kg) combined with the pace of Fofana, Clerc and Medard could tear apart the Irish backline. I recall Rougerie making mincemeat of D'Arcy in Dublin last year. Ireland cannot afford to miss first-up tackles in the midfield against France.

I think Tommy Bowe needs to replace McFadden. He is more experienced, provides a stronger attacking threat and is a safer defensive option. The returning Keith Earls could then replace Bowe on the wing. Paddy Wallace needs to be seriously considered as an alternative to D'Arcy. D'Arcy offered little against Wales and will struggle against France. Wallace should at least be included on the bench for the French game. If D'Arcy is playing poorly, Ireland have no other options on the bench to replace him except for Dave Kearney and Ronan O'Gara, who are not specialist centres.

We have to play a blitz defence not a drift defence. If we dont change we are toast

I think Murray, Sexton, D'arcy, Bowe is a pretty solid line of defence. Earls can slot in on the wing and do the donkey work that Bowe does so you don't lose that edge in attack. I'm not sure who else can play at 12 tbh, I think Ireland need to experiment to an extent against Italy at home.

I agree with Geoff.
Not sure how many changes we can make really.

Ryan needs to be in to live with the French pace.
Could put Tommy to 13 (I wanted this in December) not sure how wise it is really.

Maybe Trimble defends 13 off set piece??????

As I wrote in a post, what Ireland are missing most is a backline general. D'Arcy is there for his experience but he didn't seem able to organise the backline in defence or on attack. For all of BOD´s individual brilliance, he knows how to direct traffic out there for Ireland both on attack and defence and to me it´s that backline leadership is what Ireland lack most. That doesn't have to be an experienced player but somebody who has tactical nous and can set the line right around him.

I think we'll all struggle defensively against France!

A drift defense again the big Welsh carriers was stupid. You stop big ball carriers before they build up momentum. The French are not as big though...

profitius wrote:A drift defense again the big Welsh carriers was stupid. You stop big ball carriers before they build up momentum. The French are not as big though...

no but they have better distribution, more creativity and blistering pace. Rougerie is hardly a wilting violet though. French centres have more to offer in attack than the welsh I think but ot as good defensively. but they do have Clerc and Medard outside them so whilst the drift was a mistake against the Welsh it may be a good option for the French. Added to that they have monster forwards who have a strong setpiece and are good on the floor. Ireland could easily get outmuscled up front and at the breakdown espescially if the French flood it with numbers. Irelands weakness in midifeld and lack of a genuine openside are still going to be the main issues just as they were on sunday.

Move Bowe to 13 now and pick a distributing centre inside him. Wales are using the crash centres because we dont have a creative force at 12 (unless Henson does somthing pheonixlike) it doesnt mean its the only way to play. Decide on the balance of the back row, at the moment I think your getting your best players on the park but do they provide the best balance and I would argue no. Wales do better with Lydiate at 6 despite Ryan maybe being a better all round player. Lydiate compliments Faletau and Warburton. I dont think your backrow works together.


France are still my favorites for the title.