Attack must be best form of defence for defiant Ireland

BORDEAUX may be famed for its wine and lush countryside, but not too many of the current Irish squad have as many happy memories as the rest of us.

Mentioning Rugby World Cup 2007 to some Irish players is like a red rag to the bull, but like it or not they’re back in this part of France tonight to take on Marc Lievremont’s side.

Apart from a brief visit to Edinburgh — where a second-string Irish side lost narrowly — the preparation for the southern hemisphere journey has been pretty flawless. It’s likely to get harder, though, and Irish coach Declan Kidney isn’t fooled by the upbeat mood in the camp.