Ireland must overcome Gatland factor, says Maso

FRENCH manager Jo Maso might have plenty on his plate to deal with after his side’s hammering at the hands of England last weekend but the 64-year-old still knows what it takes to win a Grand Slam.

Maso has been involved with four Grand Slam winning sides since he became manager of the France in 1995 and he believes that Ireland’s greatest obstacle to finally emulating Jack Kyle’s 1948 team is to be found in Wales’ former Ireland coach Warren Gatland.

“Ireland’s task this weekend is probably all the more complicated because of Gatland,” Maso said.