There has been some discussion on the blog this week about whether Ireland have been slightly overrated since their win over the All Blacks in November. I think there’s an element of that, similar to when England beat New Zealand in 2012, but there’s no question that this is a strong Ireland side.
I actually think France has been slightly flattered so far in the tournament, with England poor at Twickenham in Round 1, and then Scotland missing the opportunity to beat them in Paris.
I suspect the back row will give Ireland the edge in Dublin. The England trio allowed the big French pack to get onto the front foot, to disrupt England’s game plan and prevent the supply of quick ball – Scotland’s back row wasn’t much better, but CJ Stander, Sean O’Brien and Jamie Heaslip are a different proposition for the French this weekend.
I think they’ll be much more effective in nullifying the big French pack, whilst the front five won’t give away anything at the set piece, and I can see Ireland winning relatively comfortably if they get ahead early on and leave the opposition short of ideas.
My prediction: Ireland by 13
Average Superbru Prediction: Ireland by 6.12
Paddy Power: Ireland by 7
What is your prediction for the match?
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As an Irish fan I am confident we will win after looking at the team sheets but I’m starting to get worried as it appears we are underestimating this French team. Yes, there is nothing to fear from them but we there is a lot to respect and if Ireland aren’t at 100% we will get punished. We look to be going down a similar route to the Scotland match where we underestimated Scotland and we ended up paying the ultimate price for it. I would bite your hand off for a 3 point win on saturday.
France are another team who I just don’t rate. They lost to an England side who were poor in round 1 and then they just scraped a win over Scotland at home. Ireland to win this comfortably for me. In fact if they play at the intensity they played at in Rome they’ll blow France away. Ireland by at least 15 points.
I think this game is going to be much closer than most predict. We are talking about a Irish side that lost to the Scots and then thumped a weaker than previous years, Italian side(Wales put 38 2nd half points agianst them). Its going to be cracker of a game!! I am hoping this French side under Guy Nove finally clicks!!