When Ireland plays France in Dublin, it will be the first time in Six Nations history that the top two teams in the world will face off. All eyes will be on Johnny Sexton and Antoine Dupont in this game.
The top two teams in the Six Nations meet for the first time in Ireland vs. France.
In the seven months leading up to the fly-half of the 2023 World Cup, both teams hope to set a precedent. For the first time in three years, Johnny Sexton can on the field against France.
A head-to-head weigh-in between Johnny Sexton and Antoine Dupont was the only thing lacking in Dublin. Before their heavyweight match, the French and Irish captains had one last chat with one another.
Today will represent the first time in Six Nations history that the top two teams in the world will square off, with both teams hoping to make a statement seven months out from the World Cup.
The victor will probably go on to win the Six Nations championship in the near future. Ireland, despite the absence of the Leinster quintet Tadhg Furlong, Cian Healy, Jamison Gibson-Park, and Dan Sheehan, are the slight favorites after winning their last 12 tests at home.
Ireland won in Cardiff in a ruthlessly orchestrated victory to kick off the season. They dominated Wales off the field with their breakdown play, forcing mistakes.
Ireland is one of the best opponents we have faced, but that won't stop us from having high expectations, said France coach Fabien Galthie. "The best team in the world is Ireland." Leinster's offensive style of rugby, which is regarded as being exceptional in the rugby world, is what you are watching when Ireland plays.
They also have excellent players and, most all, a rich talent pool that they continually replenish.
With 14 straight triumphs of their own, France arrived in Dublin in style. Despite barely defeating Italy in Rome, they are already at the top of the standings for offloads and broken tackles, led by Dupont, the finest player in the world.
Both nations' defensive techniques are supported by rugby league legends in Andy Farrell and Shaun Edwards. They take great pleasure in their ability to quickly shift from defense to offense while using skilled strike runners to blow the game wide open.
It was not shocking to see Ireland coach Farrell rubbing his hands in anticipation of a No. 10 fight with Romain Ntamack given that fly-half Sexton is healthy enough to play against France for the first time in three years.
Everyone is anticipating this, according to Farrell. This is the kind of game that everyone wants to attend, so I wish I was going, heading down to it with my friends or family. A great team is France. They currently have a lot going for them. But their disposition is really something to behold. They also have plans A, B, C, and D. They've always found a way to win, even when things weren't going their way.
However, one of the team's proud records will be broken today, and the victor will leave with the title of best in the world.