France, Ireland in crunch opener
It is perhaps fitting that the Six Nations kicks off its latest instalment with a blockbuster at the start of the weekend.
It’s France against Ireland under Friday night lights in Marseille with the winner more than likely going on a triumphant march to a Grand Slam title.
The rest of the field may think that churlish, but such is the gap the last two Grand Slam winners have opened up on the rest of the pack it is hard to see both losing out on the main prize.
In a post Rugby World Cup (RWC) environment big names have fallen by the wayside. That, however, brings excitement and possibility of the unknown.
Luminaries such as Johnny Sexton, Stuart Hogg, Keith Earls, Andrew Conway, Alun-Wynn Jones and Dan Biggar have all retired. Owen Farrell and Liam Williams are taking time out.
Having missed out on lifting “Bill” in 2023, France’s talisman Antoine Dupont set his sights on the Olympics in Paris, Romain Ntamack and Mack Hansen are recovering from injury and speed merchant Louis ReesZammit is pursuing a different pot of gold across the Atlantic.
Without their influential leaders, France and Ireland start the tournament ahead of the pack in every sense. As much as Ireland will miss the raging influence of Sexton, France will lament the loss of the diminutive general.
In the impeccable La Rochelle No8 Grégory Alldritt, France have an able replacement for Dupont as captain but his replacement in the No 9 jersey Maxime Lucu will invite scrutiny. As so much of France’s attack is orchestrated or channelled through Dupont, they may have to amend their ways when they have ball. Lucu’s ability to stand up to the challenge will be central to France’s prospects.
Ireland’s ability to “go-again” will be tested, but their player pool, coaching expertise and carefully built structures should keep them moving forward.
The durable, times irascible Peter O’Mahoney takes the reins which will embolden Ireland in their white knuckle pursuits. Playing the Tricolores away from home will be a tall order but if they win at France’s historical gateway, Ireland will probably conquer Europe again.
If England continue upwards under Steve Borthwick, France’s closing match in Paris may live up to the reputation of Le Crunch. England have Jamie George as captain. That decision is largely lauded, but Borthwick still has selection headaches. Livewire flyhalf Marcus Smithk, expected to replace Farrell, was injured this week and looks an unlikely starter for Saturday’s opener against Italy in Rome.
Gregor Townsend scratched his head over who will be captain. Finally, Scotland’s head coach settled unconventionally for Rory Darge and Finn Russell co-captains. As Scotland’s game driver Russell’s elevation holds merit it underlines how he and Townsend patched things up.