Irish Examiner view: Paris thunderclap will reverberate

Six Nations encounter a taster for World Cup action next year

Mack Hansen of Ireland on his way to scoring his side's first try during the Six Nations Rugby Championship match between France and Ireland at Stade de France in Paris, France. Photo: Seb Daly/Sportsfile

The enthralling Six Nations battle with France may have ended in narrow defeat for our team but the competitiveness of the match provided a reverberating insight into the thrills that could await us in next year’s Rugby World Cup. 

The raucous nature of the French support showed what two years of lockdown can do for frustrated spectators. They have borrowed the thunder claps from Iceland’s soccer supporters which were deployed for Euro 2016 in the Stade de France.

Packages for next year’s tournament already range from €1,900 to an eyewatering city pack offer of €19,600 for all matches St Denis. If Saturday’s encounter was anything to go by, there will be takers a-plenty.