Stats - Ireland set to play with more purpose?

by Brendan Cole

On Sunday, France tackled more, passed less, offloaded less and missed a greater percentage of their tackles than Scotland. It's not all that surprising given the nature of the top level game these days, but you would still have gotten a good price on that happening on Sunday morning.

And while it is hard to pick any definite trends through looking at stats after just one match, there are some other interesting hints of what may be happening on the training field and in the strategy discussions.

The numbers certainly suggest that France played a fairly conservative game on opening weekend. Granted, Scotland tended to huff and puff in front of the French defensive line and as a result, they completed more passes and kept the ball for long spells at times. The gameplan seemed to call for them to hang onto the ball and take France through phases wherever possible.

France, as the better team, could cherry pick when to attack and when to kick ball away safe in the knowledge Scotland would struggle to damage them, and that they could contain the game even without the ball.

Lievremont: conservative gameplan?

Having opted to pick Brive’s Alex Palisson on the wing on the basis that he offers a superior kicking game there are hints that an attitude of ‘safety first’ may be pursued at times again when Ireland meet France on Saturday: exquisite talents such as Cedric Heymans, Maxime Medard and Florient Fritz – all fully fit, and all Toulouse – remain outside the squad.

The stats also back up the impression that France were soft enough in contact situations: Les Bleus let a whopping 15 attempts pass them by. And while there is no stat to back it up, Scotland also seemed to make yards through the tackle on plenty of occasions and didn’t find it too hard to get their hands free: hence their nine offloads.

That could suit as despite the relatively negative outlook after Ireland's 29-11 win over Italy, there are signs that Declan Kidney’s men may just be closing in on an exciting brand of rugby based on getting hands free and keeping the ball up. 

This year’s team looked far more keen to offload in the tackle and keep the ball alive than the 2009 vintage, at least in that high quality opening 30 minute spell against the Italians.

Ireland - made offloads and ran at the French

Over the match, Ireland made 14 successful offloads and, following the old French style, they positioned their back rowers outside second centre in a bid to create extra depth and options for the passer at times. Ulster also do this brilliantly and if Ireland are to take a win in Paris, back rower Stephen Ferris’ running ability out wide could yet be a trump card.

Ireland were a third and final quarter team last year but there are hints of a new focus on starting strong and making sure the French don’t race into a big lead early. Speaking ahead of this weekend, Ireland out-half Ronan O’Gara said: ‘A good start will be imperative this weekend. That’s exactly what we’re concentrating on – the first 20.’

It must be said that Declan Kidney’s men had reverted to a fairly conservative style after Italy got their opportunist try, and they ended up kicking the ball 40 times in the match: more than any other side over the weekend. But a point worth remembering is that the team that kicks more often is also often the team that kicks better: touchfinders, chips and chased kicks that are recovered don't allow the other team to put in a return punt.

Also of interest is the attitude of the French about the Scotland game: according to backs coach Emile N’Tamack, France decided to play it tight and followed a fairly conservative gameplan. There may be more to come.

Interesting times, and despite Kidney's reputation Ireland may actually turn out to be the more aggressive and expansive side in Paris.

Both Ireland and France should have their 'A' games ready for what will be a full-blooded encounter on Saturday.

Get full RBS 6 Nations stats on RTÉ.ie/sport/sixnations.