Hero Henderson targets French

Ireland's Rob Henderson bursts through against Italy

Rob Henderson celebrated his hat-trick of tries against Italy by declaring "bring on the French".

The Wasps centre's three scores rightly gave him the man of the match award.

And although it was hardly a vintage display by the Irish, Henderson believes they can build on the victory and beat France in Dublin.

"I cannot wait for the French game," said Henderson.

"We have had close games with them over the last three years, winning one and losing two.

"It is about time we won one at Lansdowne Road."

Quite fresh

Henderson praised the Munster players who formed the backbome of Warren Gatland's team.

"They had a disruptive build-up to the match with Heineken Cup games but all of them were outstanding.

In some ways this match has been a wake-up call

Ireland skipper Keith Wood

"I had just one game in the last eight weeks after my shoulder operation so I was quite fresh, but not quite match fit, and I was blowing a bit at the end."

Ireland skipper Keith Wood said his team would have to do better against France in Dubliin.

"Our defence was not strong enough. We did not come forward enough to the tackle," said Wood.

"In some ways this match has been a wake-up call.

"We cannot be happy with some of the mistakes we made but we have to be happy with the result.

"We will have to do considerably better against France.

Gatland satisfied

"We have to tidy up on errors and be a bit sharper.

"Our preparations have to be of a high standard."

Ireland coach Warren Gatland was satisfied with the afternoon's work.

"Italy were very physical up front but we expected that," he said.

Brad Johnstone: "Our discipline was terrible."

"They were very effective and put us under some pressure but we competed and ended up scoring some nice tries.

"We came here to get a result and I would have been more than happy with a one-point win."

Italy finished the game with 14 men following the dismissal of scrum-half Alessandro Troncon for punching Peter Stringer.

Coach Brad Johnstone admitted to being concerned over his team's indiscipline.

Poor kicking

Troncon could be banned for Italy's next match, against England at Twickenham, but Johnstone is confident record points scorer Diego Dominguez will return to face Clive Woodward's team.

"I can't speak for the judiciary but he got sent off and is going to have to face the music," said Johnstone, who was also disappointed at the way his side conceded four second-half tries.

"The first half was a step forward but the second half was a step back.

"I thought the forwards played well but our discipline was terrible and the kicking was very poor. I admit we do have problems with kickers in this country."