France will blast Ireland with the “double hit” of new props Jefferson Poirot and Uini Atonio in tomorrow’s Six Nations battle in Paris, according to Guy Noves.

Tommy O’Donnell can count himself unfortunate to be demoted on the back of last week’s effort against Wales and yet the heart does flutter a tad faster at the thoughts of the back row Joe Schmidt named yesterday for the Valentine’s weekend date in Paris.

The sight of Jules Plisson blasting over a game-winning penalty from long-range for France against Italy at Stade de France last Saturday left an impression on Joe Schmidt that he will be sure to pass on to his players as Ireland prepare for their own trip to Paris this weekend.

Peter Jackson on the best of the new generation, each on the verge of breaking into the international arena