Ireland strive for colossal statement victory over South Africa

An Irish win would send out a serious message. South Africa are not just the defending champions, they are a team who have already rapped out a few muscular statements over the past month

INSTRUCTIONS: Ireland head coach Andy Farrell during the captain's run at the Stade de France in Paris. Pic: PA

The weeping grey skies in Paris currently reflect the sombre local mood. If there is one shimmering star this tournament can ill afford to lose it is Antoine Dupont, France’s captain and muse, and that doomsday scenario is now in play. Every Gallic effort will be made to patch up their national treasure but, right now, it feels like someone has walked into the Louvre and defaced the Mona Lisa.

It is also a reminder to every team at this World Cup just how quickly the bigger picture can change. For Ireland and South Africa, about to collide in a colossal pool game at the Stade de France, there are more direct implications. The losers may end up facing a Dupont-less France in a quarter-final, a different proposition to the full-fat version.