6N Preview: France v Ireland
There will be some extra needle in this encounter, not just because it is critical to the cause of both teams, but because of the manner in which it was called off last month.
With the earlier kick-off and some better weather – it will be very wet, but at least no snow is predicted and it won’t be as freezing cold this time around – the game should at least get underway.
For France the win is vital, as they – along with Wales – are unbeaten and on the inside lane to take the Six Nations crown. Ireland will hope to keep their fast-fading championship hopes alive with a win.
France have won nine consecutive games at the Stade de France, a run of wins stretching back to their 13-24 defeat at the hands of England during the 2008 Six Nations.
Ireland have won just once in France since beating Les Bleus 9-14 at Stade Olympique Yves du Manoir at Colombes in 1972; Brian O’Driscoll scored a famous hat-trick of tries to see off France 27-25 at the Stade de France in 2000.
Games between France and Ireland at the Stade de France have in recent times been high scoring games, and dominated overwhelmingly by the home side.
Ireland have conceded an average of 36 points in their last five Championship games in Paris. In response they’ve scored an average of 17 points in those five games, finishing second best on each occasion.
France field a side with 660 caps while Ireland have marginally less experience collectively, with 610 caps. However the average age of France’s starting XV is two years higher at 29, while Ireland’s is 27.
France need only two more points to break the 5,000 barrier in the all-time Championship record.
Ireland’s last away match in the Championship was the 13-19 defeat to Wales at the Millennium Stadium last season.
Ireland’s 30-21 defeat of France at Croke Park in 2009 was their most recent victory against Les Bleus, and their first since a 15-12 win at Lansdowne Road in 2003.
France coach Philippe Saint-André has made two changes to the side that defeated Scotland 23-17 at Murrayfield. Clement Poitrenaud makes a timely return to the full back spot after injury ruled Maxime Medard out of this weekend’s clash. Meanwhile Clermont Auvergne flank Julien Bonnaire was named at blindside flank, with Imanol Harinordoquy switching to No.8. He replaces Toulouse No.8 Louis Picamoles, who drops to the bench.
Ireland coach Declan Kidney has adopted to keep the same starting line-up who beat Italy 42-10 in Dublin, and the same XV that was originally picked to face France for the postponed game three weeks ago.
Players go watch:
For France: Flank Julien Bonnaire is France’s lucky omen against Ireland, appearing in six Championship matches against the boys in green without loss. Two of those appearances were off the bench. Hooker Dimitri Szarzewski made his Championship debut in this fixture back in 2005. France won that game 26-19. Imanol Harinordoquy will his 80th cap for France against Ireland on Saturday. He made his Six Nations debut in a 37-33 win against Wales back in 2002.
For Ireland: Jonathan Sexton needs just 11 points to break the 200 point barrier for Ireland. Paul O’Connell wins his 85th cap for Ireland this weekend. He made his debut in a 54-10 win against Wales in 2002. Ronan O’Gara has scored more points (127) for Ireland against France than anyone else .
Head to head: The key battle will be at flyhalf, where Francois Trinh-Duc (France) face up to Jonathan Sexton (Ireland). It is about so much more than just their ability to get the respective backlines away. Tactical appreciation is also key. Thierry Dusautoir (France) against Stephen Ferris (Ireland) could also be good entertainment.
Recent results:
2011: France won 26-22, Dublin
2011: France won 19-12, Bordeaux
2011: France won 25-22, Dublin
2010: France won 33-10, Paris
2009: Ireland won 30-21, Dublin
2008: France won 26-21, Paris
2007: France won 25-3, Paris (World Cup pool match)
2007: France won 20-17, Dublin
2006: France won 43-31, Paris
2005: France won 26-19, Dublin
Prediction: This game is the 90th meeting between the two sides. France have won 55 of those against Ireland’s 29 victories, while there have been five draws. France’s biggest win against Ireland was a 44-5 hammering at Stade de France in 2002. It also remains France’s record margin of victory against Ireland. The Irish will make it tough, but the French have a habit of winning the big games again the Irish. France to win by less than 10 points.
Teams:
France: 15 Clement Poitrenaud, 14 Vincent Clerc, 13 Aurelien Rougerie, 12 Wesley Fofana, 11 Julien Malzieu, 10 Francois Trinh-Duc, 9 Morgan Parra, 8 Imanol Harinordoquy, 7 Julien Bonnaire, 6 Thierry Dusautoir (captain), 5 Yoann Maestri, 4 Pascal Papé, 3 Nicolas Mas, 2 Dimitry Szarzewski, 1 Jean-Baptiste Poux.
Replacements: 16 William Servat, 17 Vincent Debaty, 18 Lionel Nallet, 19 Louis Picamoles, 20 Julien Dupuy, 21 Lionel Beauxis, 22 Maxime Mermoz.
Ireland: 15 Rob Kearney, 14 Tommy Bowe, 13 Keith Earls, 12 Gordon D’Arcy, 11 Andrew Trimble, 10 Jonathan Sexton, 9 Conor Murray, 8 Jamie Heaslip, 7 Sean O’Brien, 6 Stephen Ferris, 5 Paul O’Connell (captain), 4 Donncha O’Callaghan, 3 Mike Ross, 2 Rory Best, 1 Cian Healy.
Replacements: 16 Sean Cronin, 17 Tom Court, 18 Donnacha Ryan, 19 Peter O’Mahony, 20 Eoin Reddan, 21 Ronan O’Gara, 22 Fergus McFadden.
Date: Sunday, March 4
Venue: Stade de France, Paris
Kick-off: 16.00 (15.00 GMT)
Expected weather: Plenty of cloud and rain around. High of 10°C and a low of 4°C
Referee: Dave Pearson (England)
Assistant referees: Wayne Barnes (England), Andrew Small (England)
TMO: Geoff Warren (England)
