France v Ireland

Let's start with a few predictions: France 25 - 19 Ireland

For starters, the opposites in this match are amazing. We have a weak scrum, no such problems for them. We have excellent half-backs, their pair are nothing special. Our centres are slippery steppers, Jauzion and Basteraud are hybrids, they bash and step, but the more skillful player is at 12, not 13.

I think both sets of backs are equally good so it is down to the forwards. We have an excellent lineout, but on his day Harinorduquy is a one man wrecking ball on the opposition throw, cast your mind back to HEC final 2006, he pressurized Munster's lineout all day. My major fear is that the French physicality will last 80 minutes and they will knock us out in the last 15.

The one team to totally outfox them recently was New Zealand, they walloped them by going around them as much as possible. That's a high risk strategy for an Irish side.

Our X-factor is on the sidelines, Kidney is a better coach and he may make better decisions in reading and changing the game if it is close going into the last quarter.

What do ye think?

Conor

Reply from McG

man, this is one is to hard to call - if pushed to it, i think we will lose. and i wouldn't even rule out a draw.

Reply from Garbhán

If Sean O'Brien (Tullow Community College) makes his way onto the pitch in Paris this weekend, he will become the first rugby player from a vocational school
to represent Ireland in the 6 Nations Championship.....

"We had reached the day when we could endure neither our vices nor their remedies"

Titus Levy

Reply from McG

not sure if that's good or bad ;) but it's certainly v. interesting....

Reply from Conor

Excellent stat. Dunno if the GAA will be pleased ….

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