Ireland ‘need to find killer instinct’

SEAN O’BRIEN believes Ireland need to come out with all guns blazing in the return friendly against France at the Aviva Stadium on Saturday.

The Carlowman reckons he and his team-mates have to put the disappointment of defeats in Murrayfield and Bordeaux behind them and move on to better things.

“We just have to move on, it (France) was the first one for a lot of us; it’s good to be back playing all the same and get a game under the belt,” he said.

“But while we kept the ball a lot better in the second half, sorted out the ruck a bit and started putting phases together, we didn’t have that killer instinct about us.”

O’Brien was upset at how easily France wrested the initiative early on in a game of contrasting halves. “Yeah, the first 20 or 25 they really came out of the traps; we were struggling to live with them a little bit. They had us under pressure for that time and got a couple of scores out of it.

“Physically it was tough, particularly for lads who haven’t played in a long time. But we expected that and it’s a good thing that we got nothing handy out there.”

Possession this weekend will be crucial, says O’Brien, who is hoping Ireland, try less in two games, can find their scoring touch.

“I wouldn’t say it’s a worry at all. If you look at the last couple of games we’ve played against France, we’ve outscored them on the try sheet. It’s just about getting the attack right and if we hold on to the ball the tries will come.”

There will be plenty of video analysis this week, he reckons.

“Yeah, we’ll have a look at it, assess what we did well and what we did wrong in Bordeaux. We played poorly and yet were only a score away from them. You would have to be confident that if we can get it right we can beat them.”

A good start is essential at the Aviva Stadium on Saturday, says O’Brien. “First, we have to start a lot quicker. We were playing catch-up after 25 minutes and it’s hard to play catch up against any international side. We have to start well and sort out our ruck. In the first 15 or 20 minutes in France we were wondering should we go in and compete or should we not.

“There was indecision there from a lot of us. Sort out a couple of things like that and hold on to the ball, and it should be good.”

Having made a huge impact last season, O’Brien is happy with his form so far this season. “I’m feeling strong and fast, and they are two things I went in with and wanted to come out in good shape. A couple of games and I’ll get match fit and I’m looking forward to the next few. I had a good break, I’m relaxed, fresh and ready to go.”

But overall, he’s just happy to be back playing matches after a gruelling pre-season.

“That’s the thing, you can do all the running and you can do all the pre-season you like but it’s actually getting out there and playing the games that gets you properly fit.”