Irish Times rugby correspondent Gerry Thornley previews Friday night’s clash from the Stade Velodrome in Marseille.
With both teams exiting last year’s World Cup at the quarter-final stage, a opening round win will go some way to deciding the winner of this Six Nations tournament. In terms of Irish players to watch out for, Jack Crowley steps in to fill the void left by the now-retired Johnny Sexton at fly-half, while Leinster lock Joe McCarthy is a hugely exciting prospect.
While watching Ireland’s captain’s run, Gerry talks through team selection and where the game could be won and lost for Ireland.
Produced by Declan Conlon and John Casey.
