Ireland vs France: High stakes as Six Nations title rivals collide in Dublin

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Ireland vs France: High stakes as Six Nations title rivals collide in Dublin

Ireland, of course, faced – and toppled – a ‘Bomb Squad’ before in their World Cup pool-stage win over South Africa in 2023.

Here, Irish interim boss Simon Easterby has reverted to a six-two split for the first time since last year’s loss to England.

In that game, Ireland lost starting wing Calvin Nash and his replacement Ciaran Frawley to failed head injury assessments, leaving influential scrum-half Jamison Gibson-Park on the wing for the last 30 minutes.

Against France, Easterby has picked Conor Murray and Jack Crowley as the backline replacements and Jamie Osborne – a left-footed full-back – on the right wing in Mack Hansen’s absence.

Again, it is a gamble: Osborne has never played there, but his versatility – he can also cover 15, 12 and 11 – has convinced Easterby that this is the best path to victory.

Osborne will come up against France’s jet-heeled winger Louis Bielle-Biarrey, who already has five tries in this year’s tournament. Bielle-Biarrey is faster than Osborne, but the Irish coaches must feel the Leinster player can win the aerial battle.

James Lowe v Penaud on the opposite wing should prove equally fascinating.

Penaud is one try off equalling Serge Blanco’s French record of 38 tries. He will be fired up after being dropped against Italy, but Lowe is enjoying a fine tournament, leading Ireland in try assists (four), line-breaks (eight), metres carried (299.5) and metres gained (199.5).

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