Paris Quotes: Eddie O’Sullivan, Brian O’Driscoll

…Brian O’Driscoll watches on as Eddie O’Sullivan fields a question at Friday’s press conference…

EDDIE O’SULLIVAN QUOTES:

– ON REGGIE CORRIGAN’S CALL-UP –

“Reggie (Corrigan) had been starting at loosehead until the autumn and we see him as the number two loosehead in the squad. Simon (Best) was on the bench based on his capacity to play on either side of the scrum. I remember saying when announcing the squad at the start of the Championship that a lot of more experienced players hadn’t made what was a form selection. But I was confident that if we needed any of these guys, they’d come straight in to the front line.

“In the same way that Anthony Foley would have started at number 8 had Denis Leamy not been available, that’s the kind of head set I’m wearing.”

– ON THE FRENCH TEAM –

“It’s notable that they have brought back some of the old guard so it’s a case of circling the wagons after a surprise upset. In terms of how that pans out for us, I think we’ll probably get the full Monty. It’s a big game for them now and might define their Championship.”

– ON A GOOD START FOR IRELAND –

“The start is important and we must get our hands on the ball so that we can get into the game early. Last weekend that didn’t happen – we spent a lot of time defending during the first quarter and Italy got into the game before we did. If you let that happen against France it will be a much tougher day out.

“But the game can’t hinge on making a good start – you want to do that but if it doesn’t happen you can’t just pack your tent and go home.”

BRIAN O’DRISCOLL QUOTES:

– ON EXPECTATIONS FOR THE GAME –

“There’s only so much Eddie and the coaching staff can do. The result and the performance are down to the 15 players who take the pitch. You have to stick your hand up and take a lot of the responsibility as a player. We’ve got a big opportunity to go out and do that (against France).

“I don’t think you can just expect to be due a good performance. You’ve got to go out and make it happen. You don’t just appear at the Stade de France and expect to play well against the French. It doesn’t happen that way.

“Last week we trained really well but didn’t play well. We’ve trained well this week and have to make it happen. There’s an element of pressure on ourselves but hopefully that will bring the best out of us.”

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