Trimble encouraged by Ireland's fighting spirit

Ulster winger Andrew Trimble believes Ireland’s thrilling finish to Saturday’s 43-31 RBS 6 Nations Championship defeat by France indicates their huge potential.

The Irish trailed 43-3 in the 59th minute but tries from Ronan O’Gara, Gordon D’Arcy, Donncha O'Callaghan and Trimble gave Bernard Laporte’s side an almighty fright.

“We knew how France were going to play but we made a couple of mistake and things got away from us. They scored a lot of their points in the first half,” he said.

“But things began to go our way in the second half when we scored 28 points. If we can put that last 20 minutes together for a whole game it would be interesting to see what happens.”

One of the greatest comebacks in rugby history looked on when Trimble crossed for Ireland’s fourth touchdown in the 74th minute.

France’s flurry of substitutions and complacency had allowed the Irish back into the game and with self belief growing, they looked capable of adding the two converted tries needed for victory.

But Les Bleus rallied and defended their line resolutely in the closing stages, leaving Trimble to reflect on what might have been.

“We felt we had a chance of winning. We showed a lot of character to come back like that. It showed what we are capable of,” said Trimble.

“We played good rugby for 80 minutes but made mistakes which were punished. In the second half we didn’t make the same mistakes.

“Perhaps the game was there for the taking. One more try and they would have cracked. All we can do is play as well as we can.”

Geordan Murphy, who helped inspire the Irish revival with some slippery running from full-back, also felt they had the momentum to snatch victory.

“With 10 minutes to go we were 12 points down and I really thought we could nick it,” he said.

“The French guys looked knackered and we were getting line breaks every time we ran at them. It was tough going. The calves were cramping but we thought we had a chance. It was gutting in the end.”

Ireland’s next assignment is Wales at Lansdowne Road in two weeks’ time and it remains to be seen whether coach Eddie O’Sullivan believes changes are required.

One possibility is to replace Tommy Bowe with Trimble, who came on for his Ulster team-mate in the 65th minute against France, on the left wing.

Trimble said: “It is strange coming off the bench at that point in a game. I struggled for the first few minutes after I came on.

“I was chasing the ball but it didn’t come my way. Then it did and I scored.”