Six Nations Round 2 Preview (Ireland v. France)

Ireland v. France (Aviva Stadium)

I've been thinking about this one all week. France were mesmeric last weekend against the Scots. Their scrum was superb and probably one of their most valuable assets going into this weekend. In broken play their backs and forwards combined magnificantly to score some nice tries. On the other hand, Ireland were far from impressive as they unconvincingly won away in Rome. Drico uncharacteristically threw some horrible passes while D'arcy had a game to forget.

Lievermont makes one enforced change in the backs. Damien Traille switches to inside centre in place of the injured Maxim Mermoz which allows Clement Poitrenaud to come in at fullback. It still mistifies me as to why he has left Vincent Clerc on the bench for a second week running. Clerc is a proven try scorer and has broken Irish hearts in recent years (see video below). Kidney also makes one change with the return of Jamie Heaslip to number 8. Sean O'Brien switches to 6 while Leamey takes his place on the bench at the expense of the unlucky Jennings. There is also a doubt over the fitness of Tomas O'Leary, should he be ruled out, Reddan will start and Strings will be promoted to the bench. O'Leary has been in poor form since coming back from injury and I can't help but think, it will only improve Irelands chances should he not make it.

The scrum is an area that worries me going into this game. Yeah Ross has faced Domingo twice this season and has held his own against him but the power of this French scrum is different class. I really can't see Ireland coping with it. Heaslip will improve the lineout with his height offering a well needed 3rd option behind Donners and O'Connell. His ball carrying around the park too is a big bonus and I look forward to him squaring upto his French counter part Harinordoquay. These 2 number 8s are 2 of the best in the world and there is very little between the two of them. If Ireland are to win this game they will have to take advantage of the suspect French defence. At times last weeked the French looked to have turned off and let the Scots in for some soft scores. Ireland have a more potent backline than Scotland and should they get over their handling mistakes from last weekend, they should create some scoring chances. Ireland also have to keep the game as structured as they possibly can. When the game breaks up, the French come to life. Their offloading ability is the best in the world when it gets going. Expect Drico and D'arcy to cut out the mistakes they made last week. The Italian defence gives them less time on the ball than the French one. I'm gona go for an Irish win. If Ireland perform to the level they can then they can win it. They must be mindful of the dominance of France at scrum-time though and should keep an eye on the in-form Maxim Medard.

RT Prediction: Ireland