Méla ready for combat

Albi lock Arnaud Méla is impatient to prove himself worthy of his selection against Ireland on Saturday by adding some muscle to France's pack.

Albi lock Arnaud Méla is impatient to prove himself worthy of his selection against Ireland on Saturday by adding some muscle to France's pack.

The French have vowed to improve their play at the break-down, with various players mentioning that “cleaning up” would be a priority against Ireland.

And Méla, a surprise selection in Marc Lièvremont's squad, puts his selection down to his strength in that area.

“There are a lot of good locks in France – but maybe the coaches needed a lock who they can count on to do the hard work,” he told Le Site.

“There are a lot of ball-players who are less focused on the combat – the static phases, the rucks. I've been in combat for a while now.

“It's good to see locks who play the ball, but that's not my style of play, even though I obviously don't refuse when the occasion presents itself – I've been working hard on getting around. ”

Méla has admitted to being frustrated by his first taste of Test rugby after coming off the bench in the second half against Scotland last Sunday.

“I'm not used to coming on as a replacement, and when I came on I wasn't warm enough,” he admits.

“I was on for only 20 minutes and I felt a little useless. In those kinds of situations it's difficult to be where you should be, to get stuck in. It's easier when you start a match.

“It should be easy to play next to Lionell Nallet, he's a great player. And we're similar, not very talkative.”

Critics will keep a close eye on Méla, who has a reputation for being ill disciplined, but the lock is determined to keep his nose clean.

“I'll do my usual work in the rucks on Saturday, for sure – but I think my reputation has been exaggerated,” he said.

“I'm 28, and I know very well that getting a yellow card while playing for France means it's over, goodbye.

“I've made an effort since the beginning of the season on the discipline side. I know what I have to do on Saturday.

“I was a bit surprised by my selection, I wasn't sure of getting into the starting XV, but when we heard of possible changes during the week I started believing that it was possible.

“It's my first home match, I'll try not to disappoint. It's very satisfying to start, it represents another step in my progression.

“It's a bonus to be playing at home, I really can't wait to be there.”