Lenihan only too aware of France's capabilities

As what seems like the 12th new dawn in 12 years nears for Irish rugby, Donal Lenihan yesterday sought to play down increasing Irish optimism and supposed French fears on the eve of tomorrow's Five Nations opener in Lansdowne Road.

"People seem to forget that France are going for their third successive Grand Slam. That in itself will make them hard to beat and if Ireland are going to do it we will have to perform to the best of our ability," said Lenihan, who might also have added that Ireland are seeking to avert their fourth successive wooden spoon.

Nevertheless, there was still a hint of defiance from the Irish manager when he added: "It is in our favour that 15 members of the present French squad have played against the Irish provinces this season in European competition. And the provinces have done well, particularly Ulster, so that may be an advantage."

Warren Gatland echoed similar sentiments about the French when asked if their selection had surprised him in any way. "Not at all. They are a very experienced side. We will expect a hard physical encounter and we have to be mentally and physically prepared for it. The French will be strong up front and they also possess some excellent backs."

Although he conceded that it was a slightly remodelled French back-line, gatland pointed out that many of the Irish players have come across them in the European Cup. He singled out Emile N'tamack as the visitors' most dangerous player. "We have talked about that."

Lenihan, the only member of the Irish camp who's tasted victory over the French, albeit on the last occasion that happened back in 1983 in Lansdowne Road, claimed that Ireland will have to be prepared to take the French on up front. "The important thing from our point of view is that we perform to our peak. You can't afford to relax and give them space - their backs can be devastating - so our game plan will be to contain them in all phases of the play," he said.

Gatland was deliberately coy and unrevealing when questioned about Ireland's possible tactics. Asked if the selection of David Humphreys would indicate Ireland might take a leaf out of Ulster's tactical manual this season, he retorted, with a wry grin: "What way did Ulster play?" A similar question provoked another rhetorical answer. "Does Humphreys kick the ball more than Elwood?"

The French, meanwhile, were hit by the withdrawal yesterday of flanker Marc Lievremont. Lievremont, whose brother, Thomas, was also selected for the match, has strained a thigh muscle and will be replaced by veteran Philippe Benetton. Marc Raynaud of Narbonne replaces Benetton on the bench.

Betraying a singularly relaxed air within their camp, N'tamack played down his second coming in les bleus at full-back. "I don't care where I play once I get into the French team." Although he has played much of his rugby this season at centre with Toulouse, N'tamack played at full-back as a junior.

This game marks his first Five Nations outing since the corresponding fixture against Ireland two seasons ago. Asked if he expected an up-and-under, or maybe two, he said: "I've never played in a match in which there hasn't been one."

Gregor Townsend's rollercoaster ride in a Scotland jersey will take another turn on Saturday when he reverts to outside centre for the opening Five Nations clash with Wales at Murrayfield.

The talented playmaker will assume his third different role this season alone after being ousted from his preferred stand-off berth and then featuring at full-back in the pre-Christmas internationals.

In doing so, the Brive player will continue a remarkable record of never having missed a Five Nations match since his debut as a 19-year-old replacement against England in 1993.

With Duncan Hodge retaining the stand-off berth and Glenn Metcalfe returning at full-back for the first time since last summer's tour to Australia, Townsend won the vote to partner John Leslie in midfield in Jamie Mayer's injury-enforced absence.

Having already won 16 of his 36 caps there to date, however, head coach Jim Telfer had no qualms about finding a place for the British Lion's mercurial skills.

"Gregor has played a lot of international rugby at outside centre and has also played for his club there - he is a very versatile player," he said.

Scotland (v Wales): G Metcalfe (Glasgow Caledonians); C Murray (Edinburgh Reivers), G Townsend (Brive), J Leslie (Glasgow Caledonians), K Logan (Wasps); D Hodge (Edinburgh Reivers), G Armstrong (Newcastle Falcons - capt); T Smith (Glasgow Caledonians), G Bulloch (Glasgow Caledonians), P Burnell (London Scottish), S Murray (Bedford), D Weir (Newcastle Falcons), P Walton (Newcastle Falcons), E Peters (Bath), M Leslie (Edinburgh Reivers). Replacements: S Longstaff (Glasgow Caledonians), A Tait (Edinburgh Reivers), I Fairley (Edinburgh Reivers), B Pountney (Northampton), S Grimes (Glasgow Caledonians), D Hilton (Bath), S Brotherstone (Edinburgh Reivers).