France: Shaun Edwards has ‘hands full’ in stopping Ireland’s attack

France’s defence will likely be sorely tested on Saturday against what most call the most in-form attack in world rugby.

In defence coach Shaun Edwards, the French absolutely have the man to help the team rise to such a challenge, but even Edwards conceded some of the Irish statistics are intimidating.

Look at the stats

Speaking to The Times, Edwards admitted he had ‘his hands full’, calling Irish attack coach Mike Catt one of the best in the world and pointing to Ireland’s ability to retain possession as a critical underpinning of their game.

“The thing about Ireland is to get the ball back off them,” said Edwards, talking about how he might stop the Irish.

“If you look at the stats, particularly the Six Nations campaigns they’ve won, I know that was before Andy was there as head coach, but I’ve just watched the first half against the All Blacks and they had like 72 percent possession and 75 percent territory. And the All Black attack just couldn’t get going.

“They couldn’t get going because of this ability of theirs to keep hold of the ball.”

Edwards was credited over and over again with instilling a toughness in Wales that often carried them through games in which they had less possession but were combative and dominant in contact, missing very few tackles. France will have to play a defensive game in that mould if they are to take Ireland down.

“We do know that Ireland back themselves to play ball in hand rugby, and that’s great to see a team do that because that’s what you want to watch,” continued Edwards.

“But we have to be disciplined enough to go phase after phase after phase and be prepared to make all of the 200 tackles in one game.”

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