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Ireland, of course, faced – and toppled – a ‘Bomb Squad’ before in their World Cup pool-stage win over South Africa in 2023. <\/p>\n
Here, Irish interim boss Simon Easterby has reverted to a six-two split for the first time since last year’s loss to England. <\/p>\n
In that game, Ireland lost starting wing Calvin Nash and his replacement Ciaran Frawley to failed head injury assessments, leaving influential scrum-half Jamison Gibson-Park on the wing for the last 30 minutes.<\/p>\n
Against France, Easterby has picked Conor Murray and Jack Crowley as the backline replacements and Jamie Osborne – a left-footed full-back – on the right wing in Mack Hansen’s absence. <\/p>\n
Again, it is a gamble: Osborne has never played there, but his versatility – he can also cover 15, 12 and 11 – has convinced Easterby that this is the best path to victory. <\/p>\n
Osborne will come up against France’s jet-heeled winger Louis Bielle-Biarrey, who already has five tries in this year’s tournament. Bielle-Biarrey is faster than Osborne, but the Irish coaches must feel the Leinster player can win the aerial battle. <\/p>\n
James Lowe v Penaud on the opposite wing should prove equally fascinating. <\/p>\n
Penaud is one try off equalling Serge Blanco’s French record of 38 tries. He will be fired up after being dropped against Italy, but Lowe is enjoying a fine tournament, leading Ireland in try assists (four), line-breaks (eight), metres carried (299.5) and metres gained (199.5).<\/p>\n<\/div>\n