Ronan O’Gara gives Six Nations verdict: ‘It would be up there with one of Ireland’s greatest victories’

Andy Farrell’s side face a daunting trip in their first game since the World Cup quarter-final defeat to New Zealand, while the home side will also be hoping to banish the disappointment of their last-eight loss to South Africa.

This fixture has decided the Six Nations winner the last two seasons, with France’s Grand Slam in 2022 followed by an Irish clean sweep last year.

Under Galthie, France have married their traditional flair with a pragmatic kicking game, but speaking to Luke Fitzgerald and Will Slattery on The Left Wing podcast, O’Gara explained why he expects Les Bleus to be more expansive on Friday night.

"France will be possessed going to Marseille,” O’Gara said.

“There is huge buy in for French rugby at the moment and the World Cup left a taste for more.

“Marseille has a fast surface and it will be a fast game with good conditions, which is unusual for this time of year.

“France were infatuated by de-possession rugby at the World Cup. I don't think that's them at their best. They got so much out of the data. The learnings will be, and I'm only speculating here, that France will play in this Six Nations. Sometimes winning isn't enough for the French public. They are crazy in the fact that they have to win with style and Damian Penaud needs to score three tries and they need to show off their ability.

“For me it's a fascinating game between a team with a lot of x-factor and a highly oiled, cohesive, structured game plan in attack from Ireland.”

Ireland haven’t beaten France away from home since Johnny Sexton’s famous drop goal started the 2018 Six Nations campaign with a memorable victory, with the former captain now absent from the tournament for the first time since the 2009 Grand Slam season.

O’Gara thinks that roared on by a passionate home crowd in Marseille, France may edge a tight contest.

"I think it will be a one-score game,” O’Gara added.

"I think Ireland will hope to disrupt France up front and France have an advantage in x-factor backs. For me, the key is game management from Ireland's 9/10 vs the Bordeaux duo.

“I think France will be difficult to beat at home. I would be far more surprised by Ireland beating France than France beating Ireland because home advantage is absolutely huge. It would be up there with one of Ireland's greatest victories because people underestimate how intimidating that venue is.”

Guinness, the official sponsors of the Guinness Six Nations, has enlisted Irish Rugby legend and La Rochelle Head Coach Ronan O’Gara to deliver a rousing team talk ahead of Ireland Men’s opening fixture against France in Marseille on February 2nd.

Not your typical pep talk for the players and delivered in Ronan’s unique French - Cork English dialect, he gives a playful yet passionate call to the people of Ireland to seize ‘l’opportunité’

Guinness is providing fans with the ‘l’opportunité’ to win exclusive prizes, including match tickets and unique match-day experiences as part of the Guinness Giveaway. To enter, simply visit https://www.guinness.com/en-ie/guinness-give-away.