France finding answers as Ireland delay inevitable change

It’s coming up on three years now since Romain Ntamack and Harry Byrne faced off in the U20 World Cup. Byrne has the same numbers of caps for his club as Ntamack does for his country

Ireland head coach Andy Farrell named a team on average three years older than his French counterpart Fabien Galthié for their respective Six Nations openers. Picture: Gareth Everett/Sportsfile

If there is anything like a sure thing in sport then it may be the uncomfortable realisation that something considered a strength one day can all too quickly morph into a weakness. Or, at the very least, to be perceived as one.

The opposite can hold true, too, and so it is that we find ourselves gushing over the bright young things spearheading a rejuvenated France while wondering if it might be time for a change of pace when it comes to Ireland’s battle-hardened troops.