Nation riding high on wave of rugby pride

Irish rugby pride was restored with vengeance in the Aviva Stadium last Saturday with a resounding victory over the Italians, who two weeks earlier almost scored a shock victory over England.

The Irish squad will now travel to the French capital for the second time in three weeks with confidence high after the massive win over the Italians.

Keith Wood, commenting on Saturday’s match, recommended that Declan Kidney should start the game in Paris with Corkman Peter O’Mahony, who has risen in stature this season and deservedly won his first cap on Saturday when he replaced Sean O’Brien on 58 minutes and Limerick’s Donnacha Ryan.