France centre Wesley Fofana insisted Thursday that his side are immune to the criticism about their lack of attacking effectiveness.
Les Bleus failed to score a try in last weekend’s unconvincing 15-8 victory over Scotland in Paris and have since come under fire in the French press for a perceived lack of firepower.
But ahead of a significantly tougher challenge in Saturday’s trip to Dublin to tackle Six Nations champions Ireland, Fofana was defiant.
“We have our bubble despite everything that can be said,” the 26-year-old insisted.
“You won’t hurt me by saying things like that. It’s only coaches and players who can tell me (negative) things.
“Even when we win there is criticism. We listen to what you (the media) have to say but it does nothing for us.”
France relied on the boot of fly-half Camille Lopez to gain victory over Scotland at the Stade de France, although they did have a few promising situations.
Wing Yoann Huget knocked on a few yards from the line after a first-half break down the right that looked certain to end in a try.
Both Fofana and the other wing Teddy Thomas made mini breaks that had the Scotland defence back-peddling, but without capitalising.
And three times France’s forwards failed to turn a driving maul inside the 22 into a try when Scotland were down to 14 men.
“We manage to create things, to put ourselves in favourable situations, but we don’t manage to finish them off.
“But I think we’re not bad at creating spaces.”
However, Fofana did admit that France will have to improve their efficiency in Dublin.
“We know that the Six Nations is getting more powerful. At this level you have one, two or three try-scoring chances at most. It’s a permanent arm-wrestle.”
Although facing the champions in what promises to be a hostile environment at the Aviva Stadium, the old Lansdowne Road, Fofana claims spirit is good in the French camp.
“We’ll go over there with a lot of confidence, desire and the aim to bring home a result.”
Meanwhile, Racing-Metro hooker Dimitri Szarzewski has been called up to join the France squad in Dublin due to doubts surrounding the fitness of replacement hooker Benjamin Kayser, who has a thigh complaint.
Szarzewski wasn’t part of the original 30-man travelling party but he has now replaced flanker Yannick Nyanga, who will return to his club Toulouse as French federation (FFR) rules stipulate that only 30 players may travel with the squad.
“A decision concerning Benjamin Kayser’s participation against Ireland will be made before the match on Saturday,” said a FFR statement.