A decade.
Ten long years that the XV of France no longer won in Dublin in an official match.
A short success 25-22 in February 2011, acquired thanks to the boot of Parra and a test of Médard.
A somewhat far-fetched victory (the Irish had scored three tries) which would mark the start of a terrible series between the two teams.
Only one victory for the Blues (10-9 in 2016 at the Stade de France) for six defeats and two draws.
Before, last October 31, still in Saint-Denis, that the `` new '' France team finally regained the upper hand: a 35 to 27 success at the end of a Six Nations Tournament postponed due to Covid.
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A little more confidence gained, but not yet the certainty of a deep trend reversal.
The results are definitely better.
Last year, the Blues thus ended another long scarcity by winning in Cardiff.
The manner, too, is rich in promise.
A precise game plan, a solid pack, twirling three-quarters.
The time has therefore come to confirm this revival by bringing down the stronghold of Dublin in turn.
“All the players want to progress, to grow.
To build a team and a state of mind, you have to win this kind of trip, supports William Servat, assistant coach in charge of forwards.
The XV of France needs to assert itself by exporting to hostile terrain. "
Sexton and Murray accumulated 184 caps, their liners have 10 ...
If, with the absence of the public, the Aviva Stadium will be less hostile this Sunday (kick-off 4 p.m.), it is certain that this will not make the Irish less fierce or less determined.
Their purpose is known.
An incessant fight ahead, a real trench warfare in the ground game, with a commitment bordering on brutality (the warrior O'Mahony's red card last week against the Welsh is there to attest to this).
And constant pressure on the rear lines with methodical bombardment.
That Sexton (concussion) and Murray (tendon), historical hinge and custodian of this battle plan, are not aligned, will not fundamentally change the situation.
Apart from a serious lack of experience.
The two captains accumulated 184 selections when Park and Burns have only 10 between them ...
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In an attempt to respond to this fighting spirit anchored in Irish genes, Fabien Galthié added a fierce fighter in front - Castresian Anthony Jelonch: "the harder it is, the more it rises in intensity", underlined the coach - and the tightrope walker Damian Penaud behind, more skillful and above all more solid than Teddy Thomas under the hot spots.
The chessboard is in place.
The (cranks) part can begin.
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