Preview: Ireland vs France

Ireland and France clash this afternoon for the prize of avoiding New Zealand in the knock out stages as well as completing a perfect run through the pool stages.

Perceived by many to be one of the easier groups, only once has either side been tested to any significant degree, with Ireland having to dig deep to see off Italy 7 days ago. France saw off the same opponents 2 weeks previously by a greater margin but few will argue that Italy produced their best performance of the tournament thus far against the Irish.

An air of quiet confidence has been emanating from the French camp this week with les Bleus happy to carry the tag of underdog into this afternoon’s encounter. Certainly doubts surround just how good this Irish outfit are after last week’s performance but yet neither coaching staff nor players appear concerned. With all this in mind it is difficult to gauge exactly where these teams are at.

Today will be a special occasion for Louis Picamoles when he brings up a half century of caps for his country, brought back into the side by Saint-André in one of two changes as Noa Nakaitaci starts on the wing. 13 of the side who faced Italy in France’s opening match return, with Wesley Fofana in for Alexandre Dumoulin and Nakaitaci in for Yoann Huget bring the only changes.

Ireland meanwhile make three changes from last week. Devin Toner and Cian Healy return in the tight five. The 6ft 10in lock’s expertise in the lineout and maul may prove crucial in preventing France utilising one of their most potent weapons while Healy brings some much needed dynamism to Ireland’s offensive efforts. Keith Earls gets the nod at outside centre after Jared Payne is ruled out for the remainder of the World Cup. What was first thought to be a bruised foot actually turned out to be a fracture after further examination.  Rob Kearney is another welcome returnee as he starts at full-back.

This promises to be a mouth water encounter between two evenly-matched teams. It’s simply too close to call!