Who'll win the battle in the forwards?
The cavalry arrive for Ireland, whilst France, surprisingly, field a surprisingly similar team a consecutive week in row for what feels like the first time in Philippe Saint-André's tenure. Both sides arrive in Dublin after a poor round one performance despite grinding out wins against lesser opposition and will be looking to push on in another game which feels like a World Cup preview.
Ireland's ranks have been bolstered considerably with the return of British and Irish lions Sean O'Brien, Jamie Heaslip, Jonathan Sexton and Cian Healy, although the match fitness of the quartet has yet to be proven. O'Brien in particular comes in at the expense Tommy O'Donnell who played a blinder last weekend when the former went down during the pre game warm-up and now finds himself missing out on a seat on the bench let alone the starting XV. Such is the talent within this Irish squad.
O'Brien match ready?
France however, has uncharacteristically decided to stick rather than twist this week and field the exact same side that lumbered past Scotland. With the exception that is, of Eddy Ben Arous who replaces the injured Alexandre Menini. This could possibly work in France's favour, as a lack of continuity in terms of the team sheet the last few seasons, has likely been a large contributor to their lack of continuity on the field of play also. Giving the likes of Camille Lopez and Teddy Thomas time to bed in and develop at international level can only help Les Blues Reds come the World Cup later this year.
Last week both teams were able to forge wins however unattractively by choking out their opposition in the forwards and turning the battle on the floor into rather one sided affairs. As such it will be interesting to see who comes out on top, seeing as both sides would value their work at the breakdown their strongest asset and a pivotal part of their game as a whole. Meaning therefore, that whoever wins this battle will likely win the game.
In the forwards, the battle between Sean O'Brien and Thierry Dusautoir should create enormous intrigue as both can be a mighty disruptive force in the backrow when at their best. These two will play a huge part in winning the gain line battle for their respective sides and whoever is able to sabotage the opposition's momentum the most, could well take the plaudits come the final whistle.
In the backs the two men likely to provide the Champagne in Dublin are Jonny Sexton and Camille Lopez. The two playmakers couldn't be further apart in terms of international experience but both have a nigh on indistinguishable style of rugby, epitomised by a steady boot, combined with an exceptional grasp of the basics at first receiver. These two also possess an uncanny ability to produce a moment of magic that can turn any game on its head. Sexton in particular is like a direct conduit to the field from coach Joe Shmidt's vision and if any fireworks are to be lit, it will likely be through him.
Prediction: Could well be an arm wrestle in the early stages of the game as both sides like to assert their game plans on the floor and in the air before throwing the ball out wide later in the game. Home advantage could well be the key as the French are notoriously shaky travellers on the road. Ireland by 7.
The teams:
Ireland: 15 Rob Kearney, 14 Tommy Bowe, 13 Jared Payne, 12 Robbie Henshaw, 11 Simon Zebo, 10 Jonathan Sexton, 9 Conor Murray, 8 Jamie Heaslip, 7 Sean O'Brien, 6 Peter O'Mahony, 5 Paul O'Connell (c), 4 Devin Toner, 3 Mike Ross, 2 Rory Best, 1 Jack McGrath
Replacements: 16 Sean Cronin, 17 Cian Healy, 18 Martin Moore, 19 Iain Henderson, 20 Jordi Murphy, 21 Isaac Boss, 22 Ian Madigan, 23 Felix Jones
France: 15 Scott Spedding, 14 Yoann Huget, 13 Mathieu Bastareaud, 12 Wesley Fofana, 11 Teddy Thomas, 10 Camille Lopez, 9 Rory Kockott, 8 Damien Chouly, 7 Bernard Le Roux, 6 Thierry Dusautoir, 5 Yoann Maestri, 4 Pascal Papé, 3 Rabah Slimani, 2 Guilhem Guirado, 1 Eddy Ben Arous.
Replacements: 16 Benjamin Kayser, 17 Uini Atonio, 18 Vincent Debaty, 19 Romain Taofifenua, 20 Loann Goujon, 21 Morgan Parra, 22 Rémi Talès, 23 Rémi Lamerat.
Date: Saturday, February 14
Kick-off: 17:00 local
Venue: Aviva Stadium, Dublin
Referee: Wayne Barnes (England)
AR1: Nigel Owens (Wales)
AR2: Leighton Hodges (Wales)
TMO: Graham Hughes (England)
By Alex Dodd
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