O’Brien keeps things simple

No fuss, no bother and no excuses. Sean O’Brien’s approach to playing France tomorrow is as straightforward and robust as the way he throws himself into contact.

Parisian jinxes and hoodoos are not in the Tullow Tank’s mentality any more than childhood memories of that last win in Paris a dozen years ago. A visit to Stade de France is just like any game — a challenge to overcome and a game to be won.

Remember that one win in the French capital in 30 years (when O’Brien was 13), where did you watch it? “Jesus, I haven’t a clue to be honest,” he says.