Shaping up for a test of character

Interview Geordan Murphy: Consolation in the immediate aftermath of a defeat is no less palatable than the reverse itself. Ireland took on France at Lansdowne Road last weekend aware of the dynamics and the significance of the occasion. Win and they would head for Cardiff next Saturday with Grand Slam ambitions, lose and the season might take on a different hue.

Defeat left a bitter taste. Ireland were found wanting and they had no way to rewind the day in question. Talk of Triple Crowns and Six Nations Championships didn't ease the post-game blues. Ireland fullback Geordan Murphy sat in the dressingroom, imprisoned by his disappointment and that of those around him. "I was absolutely gutted. The changing room was like a morgue. What could you say to console a team after that defeat."

The obvious fallback in an effort to raise morale was to point out the significance of Saturday's game against Wales in the Millennium Stadium. It sounded trite.

"It doesn't sink in at that point because the disappointment is too great. We were inconsolable for a day or two but Monday was the first time we really put it behind us. Sunday was a bit of a write-off, very little smiling, with everyone moping around.

"We had a meeting on the Monday and Eddie (O'Sullivan) pointed out we had to leave it (French defeat) behind. He said it was up to others to dwell on what we might have done but that we as a group could do nothing about France but that we could get ourselves back up for the game against Wales this weekend."

Before consigning the French affair to the history books Murphy was asked what alterations Ireland might have made to the game plan with hindsight. "The French probably played a lot more rugby than us, although we were in a position with five minutes to go where we could have won the game.

"I think we could have played a little more ball in the first half. We expected because we had a strong wind with us we could just kick the ball down there (the French 22) and come away with a few points. We didn't play any ball and didn't really deserve it. Whereas, they (France) held on to the ball and ran it at us.

"I thought our second-half performance was fantastic into that wind. It was impossible to kick and because France had played against it in the first half they knew we'd struggle to get the field positions and were lying in wait. We had to fight for every inch. I was incredibly tired, as we all were at the end."

Murphy will have noted the criticism of his performance. His talent imposes a high benchmark. The proposed nature of the contest against the free-wheeling Welsh suggests he'll have a chance to answer his critics.

Ireland need him to have a big game; he would profit from a strong performance to further his Lions credentials. Motivation shouldn't be an issue, especially if the Ireland players recall their feelings about 3.30pm last Saturday.

This match represents a defining moment for this Ireland team, the 22 on duty. What they have achieved in the past will be discounted against their performance in Cardiff. This game will determine how this season is viewed in Irish eyes.

Murphy nods: "There are huge incentives there for us to win. This team has enjoyed a lot of success over the past couple of years. It's not nice losing and that's an incentive not to perform like that again. Wales are on top of their game and will deservedly start as favourites. You can hype it up any way you want but it's on the day, same as it always is in rugby. I'd like to think this team will go out and display character in bouncing back from the French defeat."

It's not going to be an easy task but then most things worth having are worth fighting for. Ireland must seek to win rather than try not to lose. After all, doesn't fortune favour the brave?