France 41-14 Canada
by Michael McCann
at Stadium MK

FRANCE full-back Scott Spedding said on Thursday that they must improve significantly to beat Ireland and avoid a quarter-final against New Zealand.

Les Blues secured qualification with a bonus-point 41-18 win over a resilient Canada but Spedding knows more is required.

“There is always room for improvement,” said Spedding. “We are not playing our best rugby yet. We have our big game next against Ireland and hopefully we will be at our peak against them.

“It is a massive step up. Ireland have shown that by winning the Six Nations numerous times.

“They have been number two in the world, they have had some really convincing performances at this World Cup and if we are to match them, or even beat them, we have a hell of a task ahead.”

Centre Mathieu Bastareaud agreed with his teammate in this regard, citing a need for greater consistency.

“For 10 minutes we stopped playing, we stopped tackling. When you play Canada it’s OK but when you play Ireland or other big teams you are finished.”

Just five days after losing by only four points to Italy, Canada recovered impressively to push France, being just six points down in the third quarter.

Coach Kieran Crowley says the tough schedule has affected his team, who face Romania on Tuesday.

“We have four major injuries and three games in 11 days. You wouldn’t ask France or Ireland to do that, would you?

“But it’s the hand we have been dealt. It’s going to be a struggle but we will do it and be out there 100 per cent against Romania.

“There could be a plane load of players coming from Canada.

“You are always going to have attrition at a World Cup.”