Ireland to relish underdog role

FIVE NATIONS' CHAMPIONSHIP

It is the year, thank goodness, of the old-fashioned stand-off and it could also be the year of the underdog. Ireland have the former and most definitely fit the bill of the latter. Twelve months ago we were saying that Scotland had not won in Paris for 26 years when Gavin Hastings suddenly scored beneath the posts, and although it may be fanciful to suggest it is Ireland's turn, of one thing we can be sure: the match will run and run.

Ireland were far too conservative against Scotland in Dublin last month since when they have had time to digest not only that defeat but Scotland's liberating performance against France in Edinburgh. The belated selection of David Humphreys for Eric Elwood can mean only one thing: Ireland will run the ball at every opportunity and attempt to emulate the exhilarating achievement of Scotland.

It is a high-risk strategy, especially in Paris, but then Ireland have nothing to lose. Their record is so bad in France it could almost qualify for inclusion in the Eurovision Song Contest. For starters, they have never won at the Parc des Princes; they won once at Stades Colombes in 1972 and that was their first victory since 1954. One win in 40 years. As for the try count, take an aspirin and retire to a darkened room. Freddie McLennan (no, I don't remember him either), scored a try in Paris so long ago it was worth only three points. At the time, Raymond Illingworth was the captain of England.

So why on earth do Ireland have a chance today? Perhaps the main reason for optimism is that France, once again, seem to have lost their way. Following the debacle against Scotland, Jean-Claude Skrela, the French coach, said: "Someone with more hunger than skill is stronger than someone with more skill than hunger."

At Murrayfield, France, odds on for the Grand Slam after beating their bete noire, England, were complacent to the point of barely stirring from the chaise-longue, but Skrela's remark does not do Scotland justice. The Scots played with such flair and inventiveness that France were transfixed and, tactically, outplayed.

The French selectors reacted to the defeat in their traditional way, by changing more than half the side. Out goes the hopeless scrum-half Philippe Carbonneau, who plays centre for his club, while Thomas Castaignede, France's match-winner against England, moves from centre to stand-off, where he does not play for his club, with Thierry Lacroix moving in the other direction. France display their 16th half-back pairing in five years. In addition, Abdel Benazzi is switched from the back row to lock. After watching the video of the game against Scotland, Skrela said that he could have changed 14 of the team.

However, what should really give Ireland cause for hope is the comment of Emile Ntamack. The wing, comparing Skrela with Pierre Berbizier, Skrela's predecessor, said: "Berbizier had a certain authority that Skrela does not."

Ireland, who could not handle the pressure of being favourites against Scotland (if there was an underdog category at Crufts they would have copyright on the super-bowl marked Fido) have also dropped their half- backs, bringing in Niall Hogan, who had a good World Cup, and Humphreys. In the pack, Neil Francis is replaced by Paddy Johns, who switches from No 8, and Victor Costello, who should have played against Scotland, comes into the middle of the back row. Humphreys, a natural, has to be given his head today, but the unfortunate thing is that Simon Geoghegan, who so often finds himself starved of possession, will not be at the feast. He has withdrawn with a hamstring injury, and is replaced by Richard Wallace.

FRANCE v IRELAND

at Parc des Princes

J-L Sadourny Colomiers 15 J Staples Harlequins, capt

E Ntamack Toulouse 14 R Wallace Garryowen

O Campan Agen 13 J Bell Northampton

T Lacroix Dax 12 K McQuilkin Bective Rangers

P Saint-Andre Montferrand, capt 11 N Woods Blackrock College

T Castaignede Toulouse 10 D Humphreys London Irish

G Accoceberry Begles 9 N Hogan Terenure College

C Califano Toulouse 1 N Popplewell Newcastle

J-M Gonzales Bayonne 2 T Kingston Dolphin

F Tournaire Narbonne 3 P Clohessy Young Munster

A Benazzi Agen 4 P Johns Dungannon

O Roumat Dax 5 G Fulcher Constitution

R Castel Toulouse 6 J Davidson Dungannon

F Pelous Dax 8 V Costello St Mary's College

L Cabannes Racing Club 7 D Corkery Constitution

Referee: E Morrison (England). Kick-off: 2.0 (BBC Northern Ireland).