Such is the pollution in the Parisian air that all transport in the French capital was free yesterday and for the rest of the weekend by way of an apology. Not that the sunny, warm weather was deterring the locals from dining or sipping coffees al fresco and, a little unnervingly, almost as time-honoured a tradition is that springtime in Paris with the sun on their backs is the worst time to play Les Bleus .
While it is forecast to be cloudier today, certainly it appears to be the worst time to play France since their opening day win over England. France's six-two split on the bench could prove inspired or could backfire, but not alone has the embattled Philippe Saint-André selected what looks a better balanced team, they have developed a siege mentality in the face of constant criticism.
Points difference
At least France ought not have a title to play for. Presuming Italy do not beat England then France's hopes will have all but disappeared given England's points difference is 29 points healthier. Presuming England beat Italy by somewhere between one and 49 points (and they are 23 points favourites) then come kick-off the title is Ireland's to win ahead of England or not.
That Ireland are going for the title not only adds expectancy but has upped the ante for the home sided. Indeed, the weight of optimistic Irish money has contrived to make them the bookies' favourites in Paris. Sacre bleu !
“They are the best team; we are going to try and subdue them and put in a great performance . . ,” said captain Pascal Pape. “We do not want to end up regretting anything tomorrow evening.”
Pape also noted pointedly: “it will be a highly-motivated France team who will play at the Stade de France in front of 80,000 supporters. They at least support us.”
This is in reference to the barrage of criticism coming their and Saint-André’s way, the latest emanating from Vincent Etcheto, Bordeaux-Bègles attacking coach, who said: “I am annoyed at the way we have played, but I am not surprised. It is a continuation of what has gone before. The potential is there: I would not have any of Ireland’s players for ours, but they are far stronger collectively. They know who they are and where they are going.”
He's right about the latter claim, if laughably misguided in the first, whether it be the front-row, second-row, back-row or beyond, with Conor Murray well capable of eclipsing Machine Machenaud, and as for Johnny Sexton v Remi Tálès? S'il vous plait.
Greatest legacies
Gael Fickou, at 19, makes his first championship start against Brian O'Driscoll in his last, but like Mathieu Bastareaud, is capable of good and bad. A reprise of O'Driscoll's form of last week in tandem with Gordon D'Arcy and Sexton would do nicely. One of O'Driscoll's greatest legacies is the respect he has generated for Irish rugby throughout the world, and France, 14 years after his hat-trick here, is no exception.
“He is a phenomenon,” commented French backs coach Patrick Lagisquet yesterday.
“His career is absolutely exceptional. He has scored tries, created tries and what he has accomplished despite serious injuries shows that in addition to his talent he has exceptional mental strength. When you see how the game has changed he still keeps on putting all his opponents in difficult situations.
“But we are not going to put the red carpet under his feet. I will say after the match ‘bravo’ on your career but bad luck on the match.”
In the Irish camp minds are focused on the prize at stake. “Ever since I was a small lad I have wanted to compete in these type of games and for trophies,” said Peter O’Mahony. “There is obviously pressure but you learn to deal with it. Without doubt it is the biggest week of my life.”
Plenty could go wrong for Ireland – an early injury or an early French try. but under Schmidt this well-drilled team don’t appear inclined to panic. They also look better conditioned to endure over 80 minutes in a high-tempo, multi-phase game than a French side who will have to impose a slower, power game though the close-in carrying of Louis Picamoles and co.
Ireland struggled to build through the phases threateningly against England, but their defence is better organised than France’s, and Ireland also have Sexton’s kicking game. France have also struggled to build anything, and in Murrayfield last week they were more dangerous without the ball or when obtaining it off turnovers, especially with their dangerous back three. Aside from the dismal record against France in Paris, Ireland have won just one of their last seven on the road in the Six Nations. Even if they do establish a winning position, you’d like it to be by two scores given France, as they showed late on against England, are as capable as the All Blacks of manufacturing a match-winning try from anywhere on the pitch.
Thus, would it be a surprise if France won? Absolutely not. But, on balance, it would still be more of a surprise if Ireland didn’t win.
