Pierre: Clash ‘will be like war’

FRANCE second row Julien Pierre has predicted Sunday’s clash between the Grand Slam champions and Ireland at the Aviva Stadium “will be like war”.

Pierre wins his 14th cap in the second row alongside veteran Lionel Nallet after playing a starring role in last weekend’s 34-21 victory over the Scots but the Clermont Auvergne lock believes France will have to improve to win in Dublin.

“This could be the decisive match of the tournament,” declared Pierre. “We knew that we needed to win against Scotland but we have to turn the page now. It’s Ireland so it’s going to be another thing altogether.”