French fear-factor: Three big threats

Ethan Dumortier is quick, as a wing should be, tall, strong, good in the air, eager to work, and can switch to a midfield role with the insouciant ease of youth

Sat, 11 Feb, 2023 - 07:35

James Harrington

Ethan Dumortier

The unknown quantity out wide as far as Ireland are concerned. Lyon’s 22-year-old winger will face the biggest challenge of his career to date at a packed Aviva in just his second international. He scored on his debut against Italy last Sunday, a match he probably would not have played in were it not for the unfortunate Gabin Villiere’s latest injury setback, and already has 12 tries in 16 matches for club and country this season. He’s quick, as a wing should be, tall, strong, good in the air, eager to work, and can switch to a midfield role with the insouciant ease of youth, a skill that Fabien Galthie appreciates. Think a quieter, more controlled, Damian Penaud crossed with Villiere, and you won’t be far off the mark. If he has a weakness, it’s in defence, but he - like Penaud - isn’t selected for his try-stopping abilities as much as his try-scoring ones.