Rugby Union: France v Ireland RBS 6 Nations 2010 Preview

This is the match we have been looking forward to since the culmination of the Autumn Internationals indicated that the current RBS 6 Nations holders, Ireland, would face a stern test against France in the 2010 RBS 6 Nations.

At the time, we were looking forward to Paris following Ireland’s completion of a year without loss, and France’s stamp of authority that was shown when they took Southern Hemisphere opposition apart. At the time, France looked like at least top two in the world – with Ireland close behind.

Home advantage for the French, and the way they cruised to a classy victory at Murrayfield last week shows why Ireland have a mountain to climb this evening in today’s later kickoff (4:30pm GMT), despite the fact that they haven’t lost a game of rugby since 2008 – an impressive span of 12 games in total.

If anything is to be learned of these two sides in terms of mental strength, however, it is that Ireland are not easily beaten. Australia looked to have taken out their Edinburgh rage against the Irish in the Autumn, only for the men in green to dig out reserves of spirit that must surely worry even the most confident of French rugby fans. The Irish backs seemed able to turn on the try-scoring tap by sheer force of will, when it mattered most.

With injury to Sexton, his main rival for his position making his place more certain last week, Ronan O’Gara just might play with the freedom and inventiveness which once made him the second name on the Irish teamsheet – Brian O’Driscoll being the first – and both of these men have it within them to turn a game with a match winning move. O’Gara may be the more important, however, as Ireland must seek out and take three point opportunities when they come. Sexton is back on the bench should he slip.

The Irish forwards are formidable – perhaps the best in the world – and they will surely work through phases which lead to penalties. The question is whether or not they can defend against a French fifteen which is strong throughout.

France will look to apply pressure from the start, and have the creativity in their backs to take at least a try from each half. However, using this is dependent upon getting quick ball – no simple task when you have players like David Wallace and Stephen Ferris frustrating at the breakdown.

Ireland will surely need to cross the line at least once, one would feel, if they are to stay within touching distance of their hosts. O’Driscoll looks the most likely candidate to break the line, and he is ably flanked by pacey wing-men – full back Robert Kearney is no slouch either – so there is plenty of support which should see at least one try today for the visiting team.

The scoreline at Paris will most likely be under a ten point margin for probably the full match – it is probably a five point game, which  hinges on three key elements: whether or not Ireland can restrict France to just one (or fewer) tries in their own back yard; whether Ireland can get at least one try for themselves; and Ronan O’Gara must miss nothing simple, and perhaps nothing at all, if Ireland are to overcome the odds and keep alive their dreams of back-to-back 6 Nations Grand Slams.

France should take this match, just don’t bet on the Irish knowing when they are beaten.