Laporte impressed with Ireland

France coach Bernard Laporte believes the 2005 RBS 6 Nations will be the most fiercely contested championship for years – and considers Ireland serious title contenders.

Laporte’s side face Scotland in the opening game of the tournament a week on Saturday, then have a crucial clash against England the following weekend.

He said: “I think this is the most open championship for a while because Ireland are very good.

"Wales are on the up and of course you have us and the English.

“Ireland have been playing well for the last five years and their provinces have made good progress in the Heineken Cup through Leinster and Munster.

“They also won at Twickenham last year with a very good performance. It’s never easy to play against Ireland.”

Laporte’s 6 Nations opener should be a routine dismissal Scotland, who received last year’s wooden spoon, but Laporte is refusing to take the challenge of Matt Williams’ men lightly as he plots France’s Grand Slam defence.

“Playing Scotland in the first match is not at all a blessing because they should not be overlooked.

"We must show respect to all teams and discount no-one,” he added.