Parra wary of Scotland threat
France scrum-half Morgan Parra believes accuracy at the breakdown area will be key in tomorrow’s RBS 6 Nations clash with Scotland at Murrayfield.
The Edinburgh contest sees Les Bleus look to get their title tilt back on track after the farcical postponement of their home fixture with Ireland two weeks’ ago.
In their opening day win over Italy, in coach Philippe Saint-Andre’s first game in charge, France showed glimpses of the undoubted threat they pose and they are favourites to record a third-straight Murrayfield win over a Scotland side reeling from defeats to England and Wales.
But Clermont number nine Parra, restored to his favoured position after being used as a fly-half at the World Cup, is wary of the Scots.
Andy Robinson’s side proved a match for Wales during the first half of their Cardiff clash, managing to put a lot of pressure on Welsh scrum-half Mike Phillips and disrupt quick ruck ball.
And Parra, who will win his 38th cap, says France must find a solution to that problem if they are to prevail.
He told L’Equipe: “I saw how they managed to disrupt the number nine against Wales and I expect a difficult match.
“We all know that this will not be an easy game. We have to make the effort to ensure that we get quick ball to give the three-quarters the best conditions to work in.
“We will be better than we were against Italy in our clearances at rucks. We have many quality backs, and it will make it a good game for us if we are able to use them properly.”
While France can boast an exciting backline containing the likes of Vincent Clerc, Aurelien Rougerie and Julien Malzieu, Scotland have been criticised for their perceived lack of attacking talent.
Greig Laidlaw’s try in the 27-13 defeat in Cardiff was Scotland’s first in five natches, but Parra says there is no way France will under-estimate the Scots threat with ball in hand.
“We saw against England what they can do and it was a game they could have won,” he said.
“They also posed many problems to the Welsh. Scotland play well when holding on to the ball and they have impressed when keeping the ball through phases without making mistakes, and they force mistakes from you.
“We must get hold of the ball and not give them ammunition.”
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