Ronan O’Gara: Someone is getting 'un grand claque' in Paris

Ireland's Andrew Porter in a maul during the win over Wales. Picture: INPHO/Laszlo Geczo

Given the manner of some recent losses for La Rochelle, there’s a French phrase I’ve become quite partial to. If we were above in Bruff, un grand claque might be translated as a fair oul slap. Wherever you are from, it’s certainly a big blow.

In the context of Saturday’s meeting of France and Ireland at the Stade de France, one might assume it refers to the haymaker for Ireland in losing Johnny Sexton. In this context, though, it best describes the reaction in France if Ireland leave Paris with the victory.