Captain Pascal Pape insists that France care more about finishing their Six Nations campaign in style than silencing the critics.
The Stade Francais lock shrugged off the constant stream of media criticism against coach Philippe Saint-André’s pragmatic approach.
France laboured to a 19-17 win over Scotland at Murrayfield last weekend, struggling at both scrum and lineout, but they can still swipe the crown in Saturday's title-decider against Ireland in Paris, and Pape has called on his side to rediscover their trademark finesse.
“We are far more focused on our performance than what is being said about us,” said 33-year-old lock Pape. “There have been good things in this tournament: do not question everything.
“We will be very motivated before 80,000 fans who, themselves, will support us. It is a great challenge: each player faces a very experienced opponent.
“We have confidence in ourselves; we know we can do it. We want to finish in style. We will try to refine our performance.”
Brian O’Driscoll will make his 141st and final Test appearance in Paris, the scene of his superlative 2000 hat-trick, the last time Ireland won on French soil.
Head coach Saint-André shouldered the blame for France’s perceived shortcomings in the tournament so far. The former Sale and Gloucester boss said he is quite happy to play “scapegoat” if that takes the heat off his squad.
“There is frustration over the last match. You have to want the ball and to advance,” said Saint-André. “What happens on the outside is not important. If I have to be the scapegoat: no problem. But let the players do their work.”
Prop Nicolas Mas stormed out of Tuesday's press conference as the French squad's umbrage with negative reporting peaked.
Saint-André said the critics would do well to focus on France’s record of three wins in four games in this season’s competition.
Despite the clear attacking teething problems, Saint-Andre argued his squad has progressed under his tutelage this term.
“We still see this group improving, picking themselves up and still being in a position to win the Six Nations,” he said. “We’re doing a lot better than last year at this point.
“Then we had three defeats and a draw, now we have three wins.
