John seeks French reparations

WHEN Paddy Johns plays for Ireland against France in the International Championship at Lansdowne Road on Saturday, he will win his 31st cap. It will be his fourth appearance against the French,

Like the rest of his team mates this Saturday, he has not played on an Ireland side that has beaten the French. But Johns believes "it is time to turn that round.

"I cannot think of anything better than doing that on Saturday. I know there has been great disappointment at our performances, especially against Western Samoa and Italy, and that is understandable. The level of expectation now is not high, but that in itself may not be a bad thing," he said.

Johns, who is surely among the most personable and self-effacing of rugby internationals, was first capped for Ireland Schools against Australia in 1986. During his international career he has played for Ireland at under-21 and under-25 levels, as well as for Ireland B (now designated A). Irish Universities and Irish Students.

He played for Newcastle University and Gosforth before going to Trinity College Dublin to study dentistry. He played for Ireland B against Scotland in 1989 and won his first senior cap while at Trinity, making his debut in Ireland's 20-18 win over Argentina in Dublin in October 1990. He played in the second row that afternoon.

Johns, who had played for Dungannon after leaving school, moved back to the club when he finished at Trinity. He fluctuated between the second row and number eight positions.

His debut against Argentina did not preface an extended stay in the national side and he failed to get into the Ireland squad for the World Cup in 1991, a source of disappointment to him at the time. He played in the second row for Ireland B against England in 1991 and won a third B cap against England in 1991 as a number eight.

He was not an original choice for Ireland's tour to New Zealand in the summer of 1992 he was called into the squad after Phil Lawlor had to withdraw - but that was to be a turning point in his career.

His second full cap came in the first Test on that tour and he established a regular place on the side.

Johns made nine consecutive appearances in the second row and then played at number eight for the first time at international level against Wales in 1994. He became first choice in that berth, but did play in the second row against Scotland in 1995. He played in the World Cup in South Africa in 1995 but had missed the match against France in 1995 because of injury. He then reverted to second row for the match against France in Paris last season.

He does not have happy memories of that match.

Ireland lost it by a record score 45-10 and Johns lost his place on the national side.

"My experiences against France have not been good, but a win on Saturday would make up for that," said Johns, who will be 29 next month. In fact, he won his 29th cap when he was recalled to the side at number eight for the match against Western Samoa this season. That was not a happy experience either, as Ireland lost and conceded 40 points in the process.

Like most other members of the team, he did not play well against the Samoans and was dropped for the match against Australia. His former Dungannon team mate Jeremy Davidson established himself in the Ireland second row last season, as did Gabriel Fulcher, and that pair were chosen against Australia and against Italy.

Johns won his 30th cap when he came on for Fulcher in the closing stages of the match against Italy and regained his place in the side. as partner to Davidson, for the match against France.

"I was obviously delighted when I heard on Saturday night that I had been recalled against France," he said. l feel the French owe me something and I hope it will be repaid on Saturday," said Johns, who moved to the English first division side Saracens at the start of the season.

I felt in the current climate in which the game is being played that, if I was to continue to get in the Ireland squad and challenge for a place on the team and playing Ireland is very special for me, I really did not have an alternative but to play rugby full time.

"I just could not devote the time to training that is now required and work as a dentist at the same time," said Johns. "It was difficult decision for me. I had to take my wife Kirsty and young son into consideration before I made any decision."

He had a good offer from the Bedford club. but opted for first division Saracens. Does he regret the move? "No, I do not. In the circumstances it was the correct decision, although I greatly regretted leaving Dungannon.

Is it his intention to return to Ireland at the end of the season?

"Quite honestly I am keeping an open mind on that. I will take the decision when the time comes," said Johns, who holds more caps than any other player in the current side with the exception of Nick Popplewell.

At the moment, he is putting all such considerations aside to concentrate on the match against France. "I feel the side is ready to make a huge effort on Saturday," he said. Let us hope he is right and that their efforts will be rewarded.