Beret nice: French fans gather as Ireland look to stay on Grand Slam trail

IT'S the match that is being called le Crunch.

Today's eagerly awaited Six Nations encounter between Ireland and France at Lansdowne Road could be anything but delicious if Ireland fail to stay on course for a Grand Slam decider with Wales next week.

The arrival of the French army of rugby supporters in Dublin for the crucial tie is also guaranteed to turn the air bleu, if the result ends up dashing Irish hopes of le Grand Chelem for the first time in 57 years.

An estimated 9,000 French fans have managed to evade transport strikes at home to travel to Ireland, with more than 37 charter flights arriving over the past 24 hours.

Like the English match a fortnight ago, tickets are rare, with touts reportedly commanding prices of up to €1,000.

The French rugby supporters also added a certain panache to the traditional watering holes around Dublin last night. But the bonhomie will change radically with the 1.30pm kick-off.

"The Irish can have their shamrocks because we'll be drinking French champagne by the end of the day," said Patrick Lothammer from the French city of Colmar.

However, he also expressed regret it will be the last time French supporters experience the famous Lansdowne Road roar before the ground undergoes major refurbishment. "It will be a good way for French people to say goodbye to one of the great, old rugby stadiums," he said.

Today also presents the ultimate French paradox as Ireland are that rare thing in such encounters - favourites. Despite being quoted at 8/15 to win, Brian O'Driscoll and his team know too well Les Bleus have a habit of spoiling Irish ambitions of a Grand Slam.

In the last three years that Ireland won the Triple Crown - 1982, 1995 and 2004 - the French have gone on to thwart Irish hopes of an all-conquering season.

However, an Irish victory should ensure that French manager Bernard Laporte will be shown - as his name suggests - the door, while opening many new ones for his counterpart, Eddie O'Sullivan.