Pelous refuses to panic after defeat

FRANCE captain Fabien Pelous claims he is “not panicking at all” after the RBS 6 Nations favourites were beaten by Scotland in their tournament opener.

Having entered the 6 Nations on a high after a flawless display in the November Test matches, Les Bleus were below par in all areas as they suffered a shock 20-16 defeat at Murrayfield on Sunday.

Fly-half Frederic Michalak looked particularly out-of-sorts, having failed to shake off his groin injury, and victory over Ireland is now essential to Pelous’ hopes of glory.