France on playing in Ireland: 'It is not far off hell but also it is not far off paradise either'

France team manager Raphael Ibanez says the Aviva Stadium is “not far off hell, not far off paradise” as the grand slam champions prepare for a sold-out Six Nations showdown against Ireland in Dublin.

Ireland have made the ground a fortress, with head coach Andy Farrell urging the capacity crowd to help enhance his impressive record of 18 victories from 19 home Tests when Les Bleus visit on Saturday for a potential championship decider.

Fabien Galthie’s men are the only visiting side to triumph at the stadium during Farrell’s tenure – a 15-13 behind-closed-doors success in 2021 – and are seeking a 15th consecutive win to keep their title defence on track.

Former France hooker Ibanez has hostile memories of the Lansdowne Road venue from his playing days and is braced for a raucous atmosphere in the modernised version.

“It is true the first feeling I have about it is the old one, a stadium which in my eyes had an air of the end of the world about it, with the spectators on their feet behind the posts, their constant chanting of popular songs,” he said.

“Since then they have refurbished it and maybe it is a little bit more cosy.

“I see a relationship, though, like its old self of encouraging the Irish fans to be as enthusiastic as possible and transfer this energy into the team.

“I do not believe Lansdowne Road is hell. It is not far off hell, but also it is not far off paradise either.”

France have won the previous three meetings between the sides and completed a Six Nations clean sweep on the back of last year’s 30-24 success in Paris.

Victory this weekend would return them to the top of the world rankings at the expense of their hosts.

“We can feel the excitement since we arrived yesterday,” said the 49-year-old.

“We feel very privileged and honoured to play against the world number one team.”

For the home team, Conor Murray was reported to be in “good form” and ready for the match despite his father suffering “serious injuries” in a road traffic collision.

Gerry Murray was being treated in hospital after he collided with a truck while cycling in County Limerick.