Test of title credentials and final farewells – Ireland v France talking points

The winner of Saturday’s clash in Dublin could go a long way to determining who will finish top of the Six Nations standings.

Ireland take on France in a tantalising Guinness Six Nations title tussle at the Aviva Stadium on Saturday.

Simon Easterby’s hosts are seeking to remain on course for the Grand Slam, while Fabien Galthie’s visitors can snatch top spot in the table going into the final weekend of the championship.

Here, the PA news agency picks out some of the main talking points ahead of this weekend’s Dublin showdown.

Crunch clash

Ireland’s Dan Sheehan goes over for a try against France — Ireland have enjoyed the upper hand in recent meetings with France (Andrew Matthews/PA)

Mouthwatering match-ups

With the team sheets packed with talent, there are set to be compelling individual head-to-head battles across the pitch. Caelan Doris versus Gregory Alldritt pits two of the game’s best number eights against each another, props Andrew Porter and Uini Atonio are braced for some engrossing scrum skirmishes, while Romain Ntamack’s timely return from suspension will see him face off with precocious Ireland fly-half Sam Prendergast. Yet, understandably, most eyes will be drawn to the battle of the scrum-halves. France captain Antoine Dupont is widely regarded as the sport’s best player. Ireland’s Jamison Gibson-Park is the frontrunner to wear nine for the British and Irish Lions this summer.

Fitting farewell?

Dublin is poised to bid farewell to three greats of the modern era as centurions Peter O’Mahony, Cian Healy and Conor Murray prepare for final Test outings at the Aviva Stadium. Flanker O’Mahony, who captained his country to Six Nations glory last year, and prop Healy – Ireland’s most-capped player, with 136 – will retire from international rugby at the end of the championship. Scrum-half Murray is set to become ineligible for selection as he pursues an opportunity abroad. The trio have 371 Ireland caps combined. It promises to be an emotional occasion, albeit interim head coach Easterby is determined his side do not become sidetracked by sentiment.

Beefy benches

France players practice a scrum during the team run a — France have packed their bench with forwards (Andrew Matthews/PA)

Right-wing risk?

A sliding Jamie Osborne scores a try for Ireland — Jamie Osborne will line up in an unfamiliar position for Ireland (David Davies/PA)