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The top qualifier in Pool D at the 2015 Rugby World Cup will be resolved when France clashes with Ireland in Cardiff. Who will avoid facing the defending champion All Blacks in the quarter finals? Join The Roar for live scores and coverage from 2:45am (AEST).
This match is extremely hard to predict. The last seven games between the two have all been settled by margins of seven points or fewer, including two draws in 2012 and 2013.
Ireland have won two in a row against France but have not beaten Les Bleus in three consecutive games since 1973.
Both teams have 14 points but Ireland top the group on points difference. Both countries’ form has been fairly good thus far.
Ireland thrashed Canada and Romania, but staggered to an unconvincing win against Italy.
France was impressive against Italy and scored 79 points combined against Canada and Romania. However they were underwhelming in patches, often stretched on defence by Canada.
France have made two changes from the Canada match. They have recalled No.8 Louis Picamoles and wing Noa Nakaitaci. Picamoles replaces Bernard Le Roux in the back row. He was rested for the Canada match. Damien Chouly moves to openside to accommodate Picamoles at the back of the scrum. Nakaitaci takes the place of Remy Grosso on the right wing.
Ireland have made three changes from the Italian fixture. Devin Toner comes in for Iain Henderson at lock, Rob Kearney replaces Simon Zebo at full-back and Cian Healy takes over from Jack McGrath at loosehead prop.
The forward battle will be even and immense. In the line-outs veterans Paul O’Connell and Pascal Pape should have another big battle while at scrum-time the key duel will be between Cian Healy and Rabah Slimani. At the breakdown Sean O’Brien will tussle with 2011 IRB player of the year Thierry Dusautoir.
The team that gains ascendency up front will provide their classy pivots Jonathan Sexton and Freddy Michalak the chance to control the game. If France gain an edge the toxic centre paring of Mathieu Bastareaud and Wesley Fofana could cause havoc.
France have won all three previous World Cup encounters by more than 20 points. Historically they enjoy an advantage over Ireland with 55 wins in 93 Tests.
In the last two years Ireland have won the Six Nations twice and knocked over Australia and South Africa. They are extremely well coached and experienced side and might narrowly edge this one.
Join The Roar for a live blog of the match from 2:45am AEDT.
Join The Roar rugby editor Christy Doran, former Wallaby Matt Toomua and a cast of regular and special guests as they look at the biggest issues in the game on The Roar Rugby Podcast. If you’re looking for great odds on the next game check out Aussie bookmaker PlayUp. Chances are you’re about to lose. Set a deposit limit.