IRELAND hope to learn today when their iced-off Six Nations game against France will be played with coach Declan Kidney calling for the first weekend in March.
Referee Dave Pearson ruled that the Stade de France pitch frozen in places was unplayable just minutes before kick-off on Saturday night.
Six Nations organisers are expected to rule today when the game will be played, although a statement last night said only that the rescheduled date would be announced soon.
It will either be this weekend which would be awkward as Stade Francais are due to meet Toulon on Saturday or on Friday March 2 or Saturday March 3.
And Kidney reckons playing four straight weeks is preferable to dragging his players back into camp this week when they are due to be off.
He said: “Two games, a gap and another two would be fine but the lads are looking to get home. If I say ‘sorry lads you’re back into camp for another week’ that would be a challenge.
“Four on the trot would be a daunting challenge too but maybe we would be better off. Players need a break.”
The decision to call the game off was jeered by sections of the crowd but Kidney was sympathetic towards ref Pearson.
Kidney said: “I can’t criticise him. It took a lot of courage to make that decision. There were patches that were skatey.
“It’s tough on all supporters who spent hard-earned money.”
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