Week 4 of the 6 Nations is upon us with Ireland facing France in Dublin on Saturday at 2.15pm. Ireland are 3 from 3 and will go into this game on the back of a workmanlike performance away to Wales in round 3.
That particular showing will have sharpened the minds and also the fact France put 73 points on the board against Italy in Rome. This game is set up beautifully as a win for France will set them on course to win the Championship as they have a very healthy score difference.
Galthie and Edwards will know they haven’t delivered enough silverware over the last few years and the intent shown in the victory in Rome shows they mean business to win the 6 Nations crown this year.
They will come to Dublin as favourites even though Ireland are still unbeaten this Championship. Ireland will know the showing in Cardiff will not be good enough to gain victory on Saturday. They will need to look back to the two previous wins over France under Farrell in 2023 and last year in Marseilles for a way forward and toward a win.
The selection at 10 will be interesting in green as Jack Crowley will have been pushing Prendergast hard over the past fortnight since the win in Wales. I am sure training has had that extra bite that only certain fixtures will bring out during the season.
Ireland will have to plan without Garry Ringrose but that may just make selection in the centre more straightforward that difficult. Who will take the 23 jersey as Ireland will go 5/3 on the bench. France have tinkered around with a few combinations through rounds one to three going 7/1 vs Italy two weeks ago. They most likely won’t do that coming to Dublin.
It is France and the unpredictability is what makes them so much fun to watch on the field as well as team selections. They will have the loss in Marseilles fresh in the mind and will want to redress the balance. France have unearthed a few gems with Louis Bielle –Biarrey and Leo Barre producing scintillating performances in blue over the early weeks of the campaign.
France have shown real attacking intent and only a piece of attacking brilliance from England late on in Allianz Stadium denied them victory. They reacted to that defeat by hammering Italy and putting the campaign back on track. They will bring a big support with them to Dublin and here’s hoping that the Irish support will be there early and ready to affect the game if called upon.
Simon Easterby has done well over the first part of the Championship and will know his tenure will be marked by the game against France after beating England in round one. Saturday is set up wonderfully and the winner on Saturday will most likely go on to be crowned champions the following weekend.
Ireland haven’t won many championships over the history of the 5/6 Nations and even fewer grand slams so yet again this year has been well set up.
Ireland are trying to win a hat trick of championships and that is something truly special if it can be achieved. Plenty of water to run under the bridge before all of that is decided of course. All roads lead to the Aviva Stadium on Saturday for a 2.15pm kick off. If your heading to Aviva, arrive early, be loud and don’t forget to breathe because this game promises to have it all….