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Irish Mirror
Irish Mirror
Sport
Michael Scully

Andrew Porter declares that Ireland are ready to tear into France test on Saturday

Andrew Porter insists Ireland have the quality to take out France on their home patch in Saturday's Grand Slam eliminator.

But he warns that Andy Farrell's side must find their best form at the Stade de France if they are to topple the Six Nations title favourites after both teams won on the opening weekend.

After Ireland easily brushed aside Wales at the Aviva Stadium on Saturday, France played within themselves to beat championship also-rans Italy in Paris.

Les Bleus have home advantage again in what is a six-day turnaround for them as they look to win for a third time in a row against the men in green.

However after winning in the City of Light in 2018 on their way to the Grand Slam, Ireland are in the mood to repeat the feat after nine wins on the spin since losing to Fabien Galthie's charges in Dublin a year ago.

"We're not looking at that nine in a row, you have to take everything as it comes," Porter said.

"They're an incredible team with the players they have but we're definitely more than capable to turn them over in their home patch.

"That's the nature of this competition. It's nearly knock-out rugby, it's like the semi-final or final in terms of getting maximum points.

"It's really important to build momentum and today was really good in that sense."

Ireland supporters will believe that a fourth-ever Grand Slam is a possibility if Ireland can reproduce the form that earned them victory over the All Blacks in November.

However the French also beat New Zealand in that Test window, so a classic clash could be on the cards at the weekend.

The powerful prop said: "The message is that we have to shift our focus quickly onto France because we know that watching them in their current form, how dangerous they are and the calibre of players they have.

"It's something where we will really have to bring our best to Paris.

"It's a tough place to go but thinking back even to 2018 when we went over there and Johnny (Sexton) kicked that drop-goal when the clock was in the red, you want those days again.

"We will be chomping at the bit to go over to Paris."

Ireland's Johnny Sexton kicks the winning drop goal in the dramatic 2018 Six Nations clash in Paris (©INPHO/James Crombie)

What adds to Porter's confidence ahead of the trip is that Ireland have changed their playing style to an unpredictable, dangerous attacking game that keeps defences guessing.

The forwards have definitely embraced the change of tactics with pack members enthusiastically passing when the opportunity arises, and even coming up with off-loads in the tackle, rather than predictably carrying into contact at every turn.

"It's the way the coaches have designed things in terms of our style of play," said the 26-year-old, whose move to loosehead has helped give the front row a more dynamic edge.

Andrew Porter at Ireland's pre-Six Nations camp in Faro (©INPHO/Ryan Bailey)

"It helps each player bring the best of their abilities to the table and we're not confined to a strict playing style.

"It allows every player, not just in the pack, to express themselves and showcase all their abilities."

And Porter acknowledges that the change is pushing him as a player, which he loves.

"Yeah, definitely," he said. "It's another level up from provincial rugby and a different style of play.

"It's about being adaptable and honing in on your skills in your passing game. Then obviously the set-piece as a forward, really.

"From the autumn internationals, we set a good standard and that was our benchmark really so we have to keep improving on that.

"You can't stagnate, otherwise other teams are going to overtake you so it's something we have to keep trying to push week on week. It's about improving from the Wales game, too, because bigger challenges lie ahead."

Having said that, first and foremost the pack have to front up in Paris. That's the pivotal part of getting the job done.

"We have to improve every week and we know we're going to have a huge challenge in France, given that traditional French teams are set-piece dominated," Porter stated.

"We will really have to sharpen that up for next week and bring our best."

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