McFadden looks for a score to settle into fold

FERGUS McFADDEN INTERVIEW: JOHN O'SULLIVANmeets the Ireland winger who admits he would appreciate getting his hands on rather more quality ball against France on Sunday than was served out to him on his Test debut

FERGUS McFADDEN is as eloquent off the pitch as he is on the other side of the whitewash. It's just as well because at the official post-match dinner in Rome he thought he'd escaped back to his seat on the presentation of a cap to mark his first appearance for Ireland only to be beckoned to return to the top table by Brian O'Driscoll and invited to address the assembled audience.

It was on the pretext that every debutant underwent the same protocol. The Ireland captain was being slightly economical with the truth. McFadden smiled: "Drico did summon me back up. It was grand. I tried to get back into my seat as quickly as possible as I didn't have a speech prepared. It was nice; he was trying to make a big deal out of it for me and it was a big day for me. I didn't mind.

"Last week was unbelievable for me, to be honest with you, really; it gave me an incredible buzz. Thankfully we got the win because otherwise it would have been a day to forget if we'd lost. We held in there and got the drop goal in the end.

"It was an unbelievable experience (but) I would have liked to have got my hands on the ball a little more, to be honest: fingers crossed this week will be different."

He was able to share a lighter moment in the aftermath with his captain as O'Driscoll's attempt to deliver a try-scoring pass to the debutant went awry.

"Thankfully we could laugh about it afterwards. Obviously, it was so unlike Drico to throw it a bit high. But I think we got out of jail even after all those little mistakes. This week, we're not going to be able to make those again. We know that.

"He (O'Driscoll) said to me afterwards: 'Jeez, I'm sorry for butchering the pass that could have given you a try on your debut.' That's the only reason it's being made a big deal about, because it's Drico and he doesn't tend to throw passes like that very often. Hopefully this week, if there is an opportunity like that, I can be in the right position and it will go for me."

There is a perceptible enthusiasm in his voice for Sunday's encounter with France at the Aviva Stadium. Like many a young rugby player growing up he was captivated by the French flair and idolised their legendary fullback Serge Blanco.

He's spoken to more senior members of the Ireland team and they have confirmed there is a special aura to a Test match against the French.

If he could ask for one indulgence outside of the obvious one of an Irish victory, he would like the opportunity to see a little more ball-in-hand.

"I hope I get a bit more than last week.

"There's real enthusiasm this week again and if we get a few small things right, (get rid of) a few handling errors; I think there's been a big deal made over a few small things. A few small tweaks made and I think there can be a lot of improvement."

On Sunday McFadden will be asked to police one of the most naturally gifted backs in French rugby, Maxime Medard; he of the lavish JPR Williams-esque sideburns. The 24-year-old Irish wing has already demonstrated an aptitude for such tasks against French opposition - Racing Metro-92 and Clermont Auvergne - and is looking forward to the latest challenge.

McFadden watched France's game against Scotland, keeping a keen eye on his next opponents.

"He scored a try, he's very quick and can also play fullback as well. They've got a wealth of experience and talent in the back three.

"There's a few people not making it, Vincent Clerc and the like, not getting into the team so they're not struggling for talent in that area of the pitch. It's really exciting for me to be marking him, I know he's a good player; I've watched him a lot with Toulouse."

McFadden will be hoping that the approbation is mutual after this weekend.