Goodbye, not au revoir: O’Driscoll proves an inspiration as Ireland ready for cauldron

Ireland 46 Italy 7

Sounds simple, but when Ireland’s RBS 6 Nations title decider on Saturday evening has to be played in Paris, a city in which the national team has managed to win just once in 42 years, simplicity goes out the window.

It is difficult to gauge whether France’s shambolic yet still winning season is an advantage or a dangerous trap awaiting Joe Schmidt’s side at Stade de France as Ireland go in search of the victory that will surely seal a first Six Nations championship since 2009, the year O’Driscoll led Ireland to the Grand Slam.