IRELAND’S SIX NATIONS campaign got off to a positive start with last weekend’s convincing win over Wales.
However, the French will pose a much greater challenge as Andy Farrell takes his team to Paris.
Ahead of Saturday’s game, Ciaran Kennedy brings you key talking points with the latest prices from William Hill…
One score game
Johnny Sexton kicking his winning drop-goal in Paris four years ago. James Crombie / INPHO
James Crombie / INPHO / INPHO
Saturday’s meeting in Paris sees two of the form teams in world rugby go head to head, and while both sides have been playing some superb attacking rugby recently, there is a feeling that this could be a tight, nervy encounter.
After all, France edged the home side by just two points in Dublin last year. Much of the focus has been on France’s exciting, free-flowing backline, but they also boast a powerful, heavy pack who will be determined to suck the energy out of Ireland’s play.
Andy Farrell’s team will make the trip to Paris full of confidence having stretched their current winning run out to nine games, but they are acutely aware how difficult Irish teams have found it to win at the Stade de France – their last win at the stadium came courtesy of Johnny Sexton’s last-ditch drop-goal in 2018.
They have the quality and intelligence to get the job done this weekend, but it could well be another close-run encounter.
Bundee Aki (right) celebrates scoring his try against Wales with Mack Hansen (centre) and Caelan Doris. Dan Sheridan / INPHO
Dan Sheridan / INPHO / INPHO
Playing back in front of a full house at the Aviva Stadium last Saturday, Ireland made a blistering start against Wales, swooping for the game’s opening try through Bundee Aki with just three minutes on the clock. They were 10-0 clear by half-time, but should have built up a more substantial lead given the amount of possession and territory they enjoyed against a lacklustre Welsh team.
Ireland won’t expect to enjoy the same early dominance in Paris, but have spoken about the need to bring the game to the hosts in a bid to take control of the contest. As James Ryan put it earlier this week, “You need to be ahead of the game with these guys. You can’t be chasing the game or you’re in big trouble.”
With that in mind, Ireland will look to deliver the first punches, and their failure to fully capitalise on a dominant opening period against Wales should act to sharpen a few minds this time around in Paris.
Jack Conan during training at Carton House this week. James Crombie / INPHO
James Crombie / INPHO / INPHO
It’s early days yet, but there is already a feeling that this game could go a long way to deciding the outcome of this year’s Six Nations. Win in France, and Ireland will be confident of not only going all the way and winning the tournament, but also claiming the Grand Slam.
After Paris, Farrell’s team host Italy and Scotland either side of a trip to play an out-of-sorts England in Twickenham. A Grand Slam that requires winning in Paris and London is no mean feat, but that’s exactly what Ireland did when they last recorded a clean sweep back in 2018.
Win this Saturday, and the Grand Slam hype will start in earnest as odds get slashed and the tournament opens up.
William Hill odds above correct at the time of writing. New online customers get €30 in free bets when they bet €10 with William Hill. Just use the promo code H30. For all the latest prices, visit williamhill.com. 18+, always gamble responsibly. For more information, see gamblingtherapy.org
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Ireland to bring the intent: Key talking points ahead of Saturday's Six Nations clash in Paris
IRELAND’S SIX NATIONS campaign got off to a positive start with last weekend’s convincing win over Wales.
However, the French will pose a much greater challenge as Andy Farrell takes his team to Paris.
Ahead of Saturday’s game, Ciaran Kennedy brings you key talking points with the latest prices from William Hill…
One score game
Saturday’s meeting in Paris sees two of the form teams in world rugby go head to head, and while both sides have been playing some superb attacking rugby recently, there is a feeling that this could be a tight, nervy encounter.
After all, France edged the home side by just two points in Dublin last year. Much of the focus has been on France’s exciting, free-flowing backline, but they also boast a powerful, heavy pack who will be determined to suck the energy out of Ireland’s play.
Andy Farrell’s team will make the trip to Paris full of confidence having stretched their current winning run out to nine games, but they are acutely aware how difficult Irish teams have found it to win at the Stade de France – their last win at the stadium came courtesy of Johnny Sexton’s last-ditch drop-goal in 2018.
They have the quality and intelligence to get the job done this weekend, but it could well be another close-run encounter.
William Hill odds: Ireland to win by 1-5 points @ 9/2
Ireland to bring the intent
Playing back in front of a full house at the Aviva Stadium last Saturday, Ireland made a blistering start against Wales, swooping for the game’s opening try through Bundee Aki with just three minutes on the clock. They were 10-0 clear by half-time, but should have built up a more substantial lead given the amount of possession and territory they enjoyed against a lacklustre Welsh team.
Ireland won’t expect to enjoy the same early dominance in Paris, but have spoken about the need to bring the game to the hosts in a bid to take control of the contest. As James Ryan put it earlier this week, “You need to be ahead of the game with these guys. You can’t be chasing the game or you’re in big trouble.”
With that in mind, Ireland will look to deliver the first punches, and their failure to fully capitalise on a dominant opening period against Wales should act to sharpen a few minds this time around in Paris.
William Hill odds: Ireland to be ahead at half-time @ 23/20
Grand Slam charge on the cards
It’s early days yet, but there is already a feeling that this game could go a long way to deciding the outcome of this year’s Six Nations. Win in France, and Ireland will be confident of not only going all the way and winning the tournament, but also claiming the Grand Slam.
After Paris, Farrell’s team host Italy and Scotland either side of a trip to play an out-of-sorts England in Twickenham. A Grand Slam that requires winning in Paris and London is no mean feat, but that’s exactly what Ireland did when they last recorded a clean sweep back in 2018.
Win this Saturday, and the Grand Slam hype will start in earnest as odds get slashed and the tournament opens up.
William Hill odds: Ireland to win the Grand Slam @ 4/1
William Hill odds above correct at the time of writing. New online customers get €30 in free bets when they bet €10 with William Hill. Just use the promo code H30. For all the latest prices, visit williamhill.com. 18+, always gamble responsibly. For more information, see gamblingtherapy.org
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