O'Sullivan backs 'tinkerman' Laporte

Ireland coach Eddie O’Sullivan believes France have been strengthened by Bernard Laporte’s tinkering for Sunday’s RBS 6 Nations showdown at Croke Park.

France dismantled Italy – fancied by some to ambush Les Bleus in Rome – 39-3 in the opening match of the championship but boss Bernard Laporte has reacted by replacing a third of the team.