Ireland's XV du Trèfle challenges France on Friday (9:00 p.m.) in Marseille, opening the Six Nations Tournament. Three Irish journalists analyze the strengths and weaknesses of the XV of the Clover for Le Figaro.

“There is excitement in the Irish ranks. It's a very difficult opening match, but Ireland see it as an opportunity to put the World Cup aside for good,” notes Ciarán Kennedy. Simon Lewis emphasizes that “ Ireland have always been able to bounce back after major defeats ”