STADE AND DELIVER

Farrell's team selection sets the stage for new heroes to emerge in Paris

- BY DEREK FOLEY

IRELAND won the last time they were in France, in 2024, posting a brilliant 38-17 victory at the Velodrome in Marseille.

The tables were turned 12 months later, however, when Les Bleus ran Ireland ragged in Dublin, the final score (42-27) flattering for the home side who had posted two tries at the very end.

Perhaps the story of last year is of who wasn't there, namely Andy Farrell who was away on Lions duty and his review of that performance was said to have been scathing.

Frankly, tonight in Paris, if Ireland are again 42-13 behind after 75 minutes it would be considered a thumping - so it is not something he wants repeated.

Selection issues have dictated a lot about this clash and there is an enforced change to the backline, where Hugo Keenan misses out with a thumb injury. Stuart McCloskey is a first-centre essentially winning his 50-50 selection battle with Bundee Aki as the latter is suspended.

Jacob Stockdale's international rehabilitation continues and he has been chosen over James Lowe for the left wing - while similarly Cian Prendergast gets ahead of Jack Conan at no6; both very big, bold statements from Farrell.

That's not least as it discards the discourse about using Lowe an auxiliary left-footed clearance kicker to aid Sam Prendergast while the same coach had picked Conan at no8 for all three Lions tests in Australia last summer.

Ireland's front-row hand was also forced as Andrew Porter, Paddy McCarthy and Jack Boyle are unavailable and at tighthead where it was decided not to risk Tadhg Furlong who was said to be 'touch and go.