Six Nations preview: France v Ireland – Why this opener could determine who takes the crown

Rugby clubs, pubs and sitting rooms across six countries will find themselves far busier than usual next Thursday when France hosts Ireland in the opening game of this year’s Men’s Six Nations.

But this could be the most important evening for France, Ireland and England in the entirety of the tournament.

It may only be the first of 15 games throughout the Six Nations, but the result of this clash will most likely decide who takes on England for the title come March 14.

Before the squads had been announced ahead of the tournament, it is fair to say that Les Bleus would have been favourites, having won four of the last six ties against Ireland.

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Can France cope with so many changes?

Combined with France being the current holders, and Ireland having to travel to the always harsh environment of the Stade de France, it must have made for tough viewing when Irish head coach Andy Farrell first saw the fixtures list.

However, now Fabien Galthié has announced his intent to move French rugby in a different direction, with ten uncapped players named and players like Gregory Aldritt and Damien Penaud missing, the true performance of this French side is unknown.

It seems that the result will depend on how cohesive the holders will be, given the number of changes made to the squad.

Will Ireland’s control-based game succeed?

We know the Irish will want to play control-based, risk-free territorial domination rugby.

It’s that exact Farrell formula which has enabled Ireland to secure three triple crowns and a Grand Slam since the turn of the decade.

The visitors will have a real shot at victory if there is anything remotely troublesome with the chemistry of this French team.

Can French flair strike at the right moment?

On the flip side, the moment Ireland drop the ball or give away penalties, Antoine Dupont and company will strike.

The French backs are the best in the world at chaos. Flair and a little bit of magic flow through their runners, who can and will create try-scoring chances out of nothing. 

They may find it tough to break through the usually solid Irish defence, but one tiny green slip-up and the French will undoubtedly cause problems.

Who can challenge England for the crown?

Ultimately, we will have answered who, if either, will be up to the challenge of fending off a resurgent England, who are many fans’ favourites for the crown.

If England manages to cruise past the question mark of Wales and then survive the often stumbling block of Scotland, they will be well placed to take the title.

But this opener between France and Ireland isn’t a warm-up – it could decide the Six Nations winner, even with 14 rounds still to play.

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