Dempsey unfazed by dismal Paris record

GIRVAN DEMPSEY says Ireland’s uninspiring record in Paris won’t trouble the World Cup squad who face France in the Stade de France (September 21) and Argentina nine days later in the Parc des Princes.

Ireland’s record in either Parisian venue does not make for impressive reading: no win in 12 visits to the Parc des Princes from 1974 to 1996 and one triumph in the Stade in 2000 courtesy of a hat-trick of tries from Brian O’Driscoll.

At least Munster and Leinster players can take solace in the knowledge that they have conquered cash-rich French clubs in the Heineken Cup in grounds ranging from Stade Chaban Delmas (Munster v Toulouse, Bordeaux 2000) and Stade Municipal (Leinster v Toulouse, 2006).