Duncan Casey: Debate over 7/1 split will continue to rumble on

Being able to inject that level of size and athleticism into your attack when your opponents are starting to tire is a luxury very few coaches have.

BENCH DEBATE: France’s decision to risk a 7/1 split on the bench on Saturday showed us the good and the bad that comes from such a call.  Pic: Brendan Moran/Sportsfile

It’s rare you see a selection gamble prove both costly and rewarding in the same match. France’s decision to risk a 7/1 split on the bench on Saturday showed us the good and the bad that comes from such a call. Ahead of the game, there was plenty of chat about the worst-case scenarios. A back getting an early injury. Dupont having to go off. Heaven forbid, the double whammy of Dupont going off with an early knock.

When he was helped to the touchline after 25 minutes and Maxime Lucu entered the fray, France had already played a full hand with their backs and the Irish players must have been licking their lips. The cleanout from Tadgh Beirne that caused Dupont’s knee to buckle inward was innocuous and despite France attempting to have both him and Andrew Porter cited, there was nothing in it and the citing commissioner has thankfully decided as much.