And so at last we come to the end. The championship has a habit of staying relevant through to the final whistle, and once again we’re in for a treat. Will Brian O’Driscoll get his fairy tale send-off in the place where he introduced himself to the world some 14 years ago? Can Les Bleus spoil the party and hand the title to England? Can they go one better and steal it away themselves? By this time tomorrow we’ll have our answers.
Everyone by now knows that the Irish don’t do Paris. Since 1952 they have won just twice in 32 attempts. Even the mighty O’Driscoll has only tasted victory there on that magical March afternoon, though Ireland, sans O’Driscoll, came oh so close the last time they visited, ending with a gut-wrenching draw. If new memories are to be made, the psychological hurdle will have to be conquered first.
Joe Schmidt, like Stuart Lancaster, has stuck to virtually the same side throughout the championship, with only minor tinkering where needed. Peter O’Mahony is fit again to resume service on the blindside, with Iain Henderson content to make an impact from the reserves. Ian Madigan’s ability to cover fullback and centre in a pinch gives him his first opportunity of the series, with Paddy Jackson unlucky to be sent back to Ulster.
O’Driscoll will partner with Gordon D’Arcy for an incredible 54th and final time in an Irish jersey, with countless more for Leinster. Though D’Arcy may hang on to the World Cup, especially with the doubts over Luke Marshall’s long-term health due to concussion problems, it’s just as likely this might be his last go in a green jersey as well. There couldn’t be a better script than to send the two out with a title at the last throw of the dice.
Of course the mad Frenchmen will have more than a little to say about the matter. Philippe Saint-Andre has once again chopped and changed his side, most notably recalling the Toulouse battering ram Louis Picamoles, albeit confusingly at no6, though it appears he will swap with Damien Chouly depending on the situation during the match. It’s a bizarre tactic that only the French could conjure, and one unlikely to succeed as planned.
Elsewhere Dimitri Szarzewski is fit again and replaces Brice Mach, who endured a dreadful episode of lineout mishaps in Edinburgh, and Rémi Talès is restored to the no10 jersey for the first time since November, ousting Jules Plisson, with the Parisian prodigy cast out of the squad altogether. The last change sees the elevation of Gaël Fickou at last to his favoured no12 spot to partner le Bastagros in a terrifying midfield combination.
Ireland have their work cut out for them if they want to win. The French have flattered to deceive with their three wins. They have played well below their potential and are clearly rattled, chastised by the fans, media, and coach alike, but this only serves to stir the beast in its slumber. At home they always find a different gear, winning nearly 75% of the time regardless of the opponent. If history has taught us anything, it’s that France are never to be written off.
If Ireland are to win, they must throw all of that out the window on the bus ride to the stadium. For them, and the 6 million fans watching from home, this is their World Cup final. If, and only if, they can compete for 80 minutes, the title is waiting for them, and all the spoils with it. The men from the Emerald Isle will rise to the occasion in an almighty battle to carry O’Driscoll home once again, taking a famous victory by 5 points.
FRANCE vs IRELAND
Saturday, March 15, 17:00 GMT, Paris
Referee: Steve Walsh (ARU)
Assistants: Wayne Barnes (RFU) & Marius Mitrea (FIR)
TMO: Gareth Simmonds (WRU)
