O2 MatchDay Live: Ireland v France
The excitement is building ahead of Ireland’s rematch with France in the GUINNESS Summer Series at the Aviva Stadium. You can keep up-to-date with today’s game via our O2 MatchDay Live service right here on IrishRugby.ie.
O2 MatchDay Live is back for the 2011/12 season as Ireland step up their preparations for the fast-approaching Rugby World Cup.
Declan Kidney’s men have just two more warm-up matches, against Six Nations rivals France and England, before the start of the tournament next month.
For today’s GUINNESS Summer Series clash with France, the Ireland team has been reinforced by the likes of captain Brian O’Driscoll, pack leader Paul O’Connell and props Cian Healy and Mike Ross.
A home victory over les Bleus would help build momentum for the World Cup, especially as Ireland have lost ten of their last 11 matches against the French.
O’Driscoll will lead his country for the 76th time, with Munster’s Felix Jones making his first Test start at full-back after two successive appearances as a replacement.
With David Wallace a late withdrawal due to a hamstring injury, his replacement Shane Jennings will be hoping to shine in an all-Leinster back row. Indeed, it is Jennings’ first start for Ireland since last summer’s tour match against Australia.
Ahead of his 32nd Test match with Ireland, head coach Kidney said: “We’ve lost our first two warm-up games and every time you put on a green jersey you want to win a match.
“But I’m happy how everything is coming together and the way the players are going about their business.”
We will have live text commentary direct from the Aviva Stadium. Plug in the laptop or turn on the PC and enjoy a flavour of this evening’s match live on IrishRugby.ie with thanks to O2 – sponsors of MatchDay Live.
There will be full live text and score updates throughout the coverage as Ireland look to avenge last weekend’s 19-12 loss in Bordeaux.
We also provide links to the radio commentary from RTÉ Radio 1. There is live TV coverage on RTÉ Two Television and www.rte.ie/live (island of Ireland only), and BBC Two.
Starting at 4.30pm with our pre-match build-up (the game kicks off at 5pm), you can feel part of the action on IrishRugby.ie with MatchDay Live.
Look out for the MatchDay Live button in the Ireland section or simply click on the link below: