Win in France would mark a new beginning

When it was all over, when they finally followed a blushing Brian O’Driscoll down the tunnel, Eoin Reddan called the dressing-room to a halt and laid a marker for the week to come.

Of the 23 players who wore the Ireland jersey two days ago, only seven played a part in any of the four Triple Crowns this past decade or the 2009 Grand Slam campaign. Most of the other 17 made their debuts in the mixed days since but, though Reddan has been in the squad since the mid-noughties, he has missed the days that counted most.

His was a timely reminder in the midst of the feelgood factor that engulfed the stadium on Saturday. A win in Paris next week would be a fitting ending to their departing centre’s career but it would mark a beginning for most of them.