Press Association
Mike Ross has warned Ireland to be wary of the scrum carnage France prop Uini Atonio could cause in Dublin on Saturday when the two sides meet.
La Rochelle’s New Zealand-born Atonio wreaked havoc in the scrum during a second-half cameo in France’s 15-8 victory over Scotland in their Six Nations opener on Saturday.
Experienced tighthead Ross also believes Joe Schmidt’s side will face a motivated France at the Aviva Stadium, with the French still smarting from Ireland’s 22-20 win in Paris last year.
“France are very proud of their scrummaging,” said Ross, after Ireland’s 26-3 success over Italy on Saturday. “We put in a good shift against them last year, they’ll be remembering that and looking to put pressure on us at home. They will hold onto what happened last year because it’s a huge pride thing for them.
“Some French lads can get really fired up if the scrum’s not going well for them, so you have to be ready for the battle.”
Ross revealed relief at retaining his Test place despite slipping behind Ireland rival Marty Moore at Leinster, but acknowledged he remains keen not to test “ruthless” head coach Schmidt’s patience.
“I had a big task on my shoulders in Italy,” he said.
“Joe gave me the responsibility of starting and he didn’t have to do that, so a big performance was required.
“I think it went well and that’s good for the confidence, but, at the same time, Joe’s pretty ruthless and if you don’t deliver then his faith in you will only run so far.”
Ireland nullified Italy on the try front in Saturday’s victory, but were only a fingertip away from conceding a score to Kelly Haimona. Italy captain Sergio Parisse insists he did not touch the loose bouncing ball that eventually found its way to fly-half Haimona to dive home.
The officials deemed otherwise after reviewing video footage, judging a knock-on by the slightest of touches from the Stade Francais No 8.
Ross said that slice of fortune may work in Ireland’s favour as the tournament unfolds – especially if points difference comes into the title equation.
Last year Ireland’s 46-7 victory over Italy proved decisive in their title quest and Ross knows full well the value of statistical gain.
“We’ll take that and move on,” said Ross of Haimona’s chalked-off score.
“We probably got a little bit lucky with the try being ruled out and you don’t know how crucial that could end up to be at the end of the Six Nations.”
Meanwhile, Rhys Webb, the Wales scrum-half, is confident they will bounce back against Scotland on Saturday at Murrayfield, after losing their opening game of the tournament to England.
Wales let slip an early 10-point lead to lose 21-16 in Cardiff to dent their title ambitions.
“Two years ago, we lost to Ireland in the first game and went on to win the championship,” Webb said.
“This team is definitely capable of doing that. It’s a world-class team. I am sure the boys will be looking forward to hitting the hell out of each other next week. We will get stuck into each other.
“We will look back at the videos and the boys will put their hands up. That’s where we are as a team – everyone will chip in and say their part.
“We will gather all that information and get back on the training pitch on Tuesday to put things right where we need to put them right.”
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