Steadman eager to bring down Chabal

Ireland’s defensive mastermind Graham Steadman believes shackling human wrecking ball Sebastien Chabal is the key to silencing French fans.

Chabal has retained his place in the hosts’ line-up for Friday’s collision at the Stade de France with his two-try salvo against Namibia making him impossible to drop.

The Sale forward’s bulldozing runs and individuality have endeared him to Les Bleus supporters who greet his every touch of the ball with a series of caveman-style grunts.

Steadman knows Chabal can be impossible to stop when he builds up momentum so has demanded Ireland nail the French talisman as early as possible in the game.

“When I was involved with Munster I came up against him in 2005 and 2006 when he was Sale’s number eight,” he said.

“I think Chabal’s biggest threat is coming off the bench and fresh into the last quarter of a match.

“The fact that he’s starting on Friday means we’ll have to make first impressions count against him.

“To do that we must stop him from getting a head of steam and stop the crowd getting behind him because he’s a firm favourite with French fans.

“If we can silence the crowd, it means we’re doing a good job so I’d like to think the emerald green of Ireland will be cheering us because of the fact we’re putting in big defensive shots on him.

“It’s not all about Chabal but he plays a big part in what they do.”