Laharrague ready for Ireland challenge

France full-back Julien Laharrague is hoping he impressed enough on his international debut to be retained for Les Bleus’ next RBS 6 Nations clash against Ireland on March 12.

The Brive ace was brought into the team to face Wales at the weekend as France coach Bernard Laporte sought to instil some punch into his side’s attacking play, something that was noticeably lacking from their opening two victories over Scotland and England.

And even though France lost the match against the Welsh 24-18, Laharrague certainly did himself no harm with a decent showing in front of a packed house at the Stade de France.

“I did all I could, played all the balls and cleared the bad ones. I will always remember that match but the fact is that we lost. It’s a shame we failed to convert all our actions,” said Laharrague.

“At Twickenham France’s game was average but they won whereas against the Welsh there was a possibility to come out as winners.”

Both Laporte and team manager Jo Maso praised the qualities that Laharrague brought to the team at the weekend but the player’s main objective is to be given the chance to play again – and to sample victory.

He continued: “I just want to be called up again with Les Bleus and win this time. I hope I will go to Dublin on March 12 and help my team achieve something great.”

Ireland have won all three of their matches so far and will go into the clash against France with high hopes of securing another victory.

That would then set up what is likely to be a winner-takes-all showdown with the tournament’s only other unbeaten team at present, Wales, at the Millennium Stadium on March 19.

France know they have their work cut out to claim anything from the trip to Dublin but fly-half Yann Delaigue insists his side will be going all out to record the victory.

“We play all our matches to win and when we travel to Ireland it won’t be for a holiday,” he said.

“On the contrary, we will have revenge to take and we must find the mental resources to cope with it.

“We must bounce back, the sooner the better. Ireland represent a fantastic challenge at Lansdowne Road.”

Laporte will announce his squad tomorrow and revealed there could be changes to come.

“We are going to take into account all the matches played in the tournament so far to choose the most competitive squad possible,” said Laporte.

“Some players could come back to boost the competition such as Pieter De Villiers, Pascal Pape, Thomas Lievremont, Ludovic Valbon or Nicolas Brusque.

“If we win against Ireland everything will remain possible,” he added, referring to France’s hopes of retaining the Six Nations crown they won last year.