France game a cup final for Ireland, says Simon Easterby

Simon Easterby: Hopes Johnny Sexton and James Ryan will be cleared to play France.

Ireland must prepare for a cup final against France this Sunday if they are to get their Guinness Six Nations campaign back on track, assistant coach Simon Easterby said yesterday.

An opening-round loss to Wales garnered a losing bonus point in a 21-16 defeat in Cardiff last Sunday, despite having Peter O’Mahony sent off after 14 minutes. It does, though, leave Andy Farrell’s men needing a victory if they are to retain any hopes of securing the championship title.