O'Sullivan: 'Laporte playing mind games'

Ireland boss Eddie O’Sullivan has cranked up the tension ahead of tomorrow’s crunch RBS 6 Nations showdown with France by accusing opposite number Bernard Laporte of playing mind games.

Laporte emerged as an unlikely ally for Andy Robinson on Tuesday by defending the England coach’s attack on referee Jonathan Kaplan, who infuriated the world champions with his performance in Dublin nearly two weeks ago.

Robinson’s suggestion that Kaplan “only refereed one side” was emphatically endorsed by Laporte, who went a step further by highlighting another area of concern which had been missed by England’s irate boss.

He said: “As regards to the rucks, Ireland came in from the side at least 10 times, but it was the English who were punished for not releasing the ball.

“In effect it was the more creative team who were penalised.”

But O’Sullivan refutes Laporte’s claims over the ruck area and insists the under-fire Frenchman is simply attempting to influence tomorrow’s referee Tony Spreadbury.

“I was amazed Bernard felt the need to comment on a game he had no involvement in 10 days after it happened. He talked about a referee who will not play any part in tomorrow’s match,” he said.

“Bernard is mischievously trying to put pressure on Tony Spreadbury – that’s my take on it. If you look at his statement he gives his hand away by talking about players coming around the sides of rucks 10 times without being penalised.

“That wasn’t an issue at all against England, so it defies logic that he would comment on it.” O’Sullivan added: “There is no need to put pressure on Tony. He’s a world class official.

“We had him in the Autumn against Argentina and we were very happy. He does a good job and calls it as he sees it. He will do the same tomorrow.”

Referees’ performances have come under the spotlight like never before as the sport’s popularity continues to grow, but O’Sullivan believes open criticism of officials is a dangerous road to pursue – no matter how big the error.

“Coaches criticising referees is now being seen more often in the game. We should be careful. I’ve had plenty of games where I’ve been unhappy with the referee’s performance,” he said.

“But I’ve discussed it with him after the match and it’s stayed between the two of us.

“These things should remain private – when it comes out in public it’s not good for the game.”

It is a brave man who predicts the outcome of tomorrow’s encounter at Lansdowne Road as the protagonists are almost impossible to separate.

France have the more talented side but doubts exist over their temperament - if the team which looked so impressive in the first half against Wales turns up then Ireland will be in trouble.

But if the defending champions, who have been plagued by inconsistency, repeat the lack of imagination they showed earlier in the tournament, Brian O’Driscoll and co will head to Cardiff with the Grand Slam still on.

O’Sullivan said: “I would take 1-0 against France – as long as we win, that’s the important thing. Once we’ve done that we can asses the aesthetic value of the performance.

“You win games anyway you can. Sometimes you have to show a bit of dog and come from behind – that’s what we did against Argentina in the Autumn and tomorrow is going to be like that.

“If we win then it will be by one score or less because France are a very good side.

“They’ve won two Grand Slams in three years. It took England’s World Cup winning team five years to land one.

“That’s not happened by accident. They are one hell of a side, no matter which players they pick.

“I would take a win by one score now. If it’s more than that I would be surprised.”