O’Sullivan: indiscipline cost us dearly

EDDIE O’SULLIVAN didn’t appear like someone whose job was on the line after another sub-standard display against a better, more cohesive France at the Stade de France last night.

He accepted he was beaten by the better team – but didn’t elaborate on Ireland’s chances of qualifying from the Pool of Death after next weekend final group game against Argentina. But again he didn’t accept the blame for another rudderless display bereft of craft and inspiration.

“Obviously we’re disappointed to be beaten. The better team won. There were areas where I was disappointed. Number one was our discipline which up to half time was eight against us. That’s as many as we gave away in 80 minutes of a rugby game last season.

“France built a lead based on our indiscipline. To compound our problem our lineout didn’t function. Our quality is usually very good off the top of a lineout but it didn’t happen for us tonight. I thought the first try France got was very well worked.”

O’Sullivan also pointed out that referee Chris White didn’t help their cause and was too whistle-happy.

“We had problems with the referee who I thought blew us off the park.”

He added: “Chris is good ref, we’ve had him many times before but I thought he penalised us excessively. At the same time our discipline is usually excellent but tonight it killed us. We have to live with what happened now.”

But he did concede Ireland “crossed the line” when they should have remained more controlled at the breakdown area.

“I thought we were too fired up at times and guys crossed the line at the breakdown. It was good that guys were fired up we needed that but fellahs were over enthusiastic.

‘‘Tonight to win the game, we had to put France under pressure. They got the lead and held onto it with kickable penalties and their first try.”

He added: “It’s another chance next week. We knew tonight how difficult a game it would be and to be fair to France they played very well. I’m not sure what is required for next week. I was concentrating in this match and didn’t look beyond trying to win tonight so I’m not a 100% sure.

“We had to go after it; we knew that coming here tonight. It’s the Pool of Death and we always knew there was a chance it could come down to the last game.”

He is determined to com e up with a plan to defeat to the Pumas.

“I’m happy we’ve a nine day turnaround and it gives us time to get a plan in place for playing Argentina.

“I will dwell on this for 24 hours, but at the same time we’re getting easy for the next challenge.”

The best question came near at the finish of last night’s hurried press conference. It was put to O’Sullivan whether Ireland can draw on what Munster achieved in Thomond Park four years ago when the Reds needed to score four tries against Gloucester to get out of their Heineken Cup pool in what became known as the ‘Miracle Match’.

“That’s another discussion for another day,” said O’Sullivan. “I didn’t dwell on the ramifications. We had only one thing on our mind. That was to win. We’ll see what we have to achieve next week.”