Fairytale endings don’t come easy in sport but Brian
O’Driscoll and Ireland’s time together could end in the best way possible with
a 6 Nations title won in Paris, bringing the end to a career of one of rugby’s
great players in spectacular and well deserved fashion if Ireland can beat
France tonight. Joe Schmidt has had less than a year with this side but the
transformation from Declan Kidney’s rabbled outfit has been absolutely
remarkable and they come here with the title guaranteed if they are able to
overcome their great Paris hoodoo.
The men in Green have no wins against the French in their
own backyard since a certain Brian O’Driscoll scored a hat-trick that pushed
the Irish to victory by just two points and there have been a litany of
failures – they have won just three times against them home or away in that
time.
However, there are reasons to think that they are rightful
favourites coming into this game. Firstly under Delcan Kidney, thanks in part
to the tumbling fortunes of a side in decline, they have stoped the rot in
result terms, drawing their last two test matches against France 17-17 in paris
and then 13-13 last year
Secondly, France, while still in with a shout of the title,
have shown plenty of flaws this season. Had it not been for some big missed
kicks and an interception try Duncan Weir they would not be in with a chance of
the title – as unlikely as it If that they will win by the margin needed - and the week before they were obliterated
by the same Welsh side that Ireland took apart so successfully in Dublin.
Their win against Italy here was less impressive than the
scoreline suggested, with the Italians having a great deal possession and
chances in the second half and much success in the set piece, where the Irish
have had the most success in their game all year. In their opening win against
England they showed the best attitude they have done under Saint-Andre, but they
owe that victory very much to both of the fortunate bounces of their first two
tries going their own way and the physical exhaustion of England after their
massive effort in an 18 point turnaround that allowed for the gaps that Gael
Fickou took with aplomb to snatch a win back from the jaws of defeat.
Barring a tight defeat to England which could have easily
been a different result, Ireland haven’t put a foot wrong in this championship
and have probably been the most impressive team on a pound for pound basis.
Convincing wins against Scotland and Wales at the Aviva need to be followed up
with a performance of note on the road and in pushing England as close as they
did they contributed to what could have been called the game of the
championship so far even if they didn’t quite make it across the line there. An
easy warmup against Italy with a emotional home send off for BOD should have
been the perfect preparation and while France are capable of taking any chance
given, Ireland’s forte has been turning the game towards the set piece, denying
the opposition quality ball and covering the scramble defence. They look to have
a potential edge on the French in every aspect of the game and can be fancied
to just shade what should be an incredible tight contest, although with hefty
ante post positions yet to be supplemented,
this game is best left even though we would rather be with the visitors
than the home side.
Advice
No bet
Already Advised
1 pt Ireland (11/2 general)
1 pt Ireland/England dual forecast (8/1 Ladbrokes)
1 pt Ireland/Wales dual forecast (6/1 Ladbrokes)
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