Andy Farrell says that home advantage has to be a "weapon" for Ireland against France as he believes the Six Nations clash is the one that Ireland fans have been waiting for.
Last year in Paris, a lot of the Ireland players were blown away by the cauldron-like atmosphere created by France supporters at the Stade de France.
Speaking at the Aviva Stadium this afternoon after his team announcement for the fixture, the Ireland boss smiled in anticipation of the atmosphere that will be generated on Lansdowne Road on Saturday.
"Well, they’re definitely going to be up for it, aren’t they," said Farrell of the expected crowd reaction. "Everyone is looking forward to this.
"I mean, we’ve had half a day off today, I’ve been walking around Sandymount there and everyone is pumped.
"You know, I wish I was going to the game, and walking down to the game with my mates or my family or kids, because this is the type of game that everyone wants to be part of.
"Home advantage has to be a weapon for us. We’ve all got a responsibility for that."
Dan Sheehan is out with a hamstring issue, with Rob Herring replacing him and the only change from last weekend's opening championship win against France, while Conor Murray will play after he was a doubt in midweek due to family reasons.
"He’s good to go," said Farrell of Murray. "He's in good spirits. For personal reasons I’d like to keep that as it is.
"The team is pretty similar, which is a good thing, it means we’re healthy enough.
"So a bit of continuity in being together for 12 days before the first game and then a few sore bodies after the game, like always with the first game up in the Six Nations - but that bit of continuity gives us a nice balance to it to go forward this week.
"It’s not nice for Dan. Obviously he’s a fantastic player at the top of his form. So anyone would miss a player in that type of form.
"But at the same time, I sound like a broken record but it’s great in the sense that this is exactly what’s going to happen down the track in the World Cup. Internationally rugby is only going to get bigger and better, so therefore it’s always going to be about the squad.
"When you get to the World Cup, you’ve a smaller squad.
"There’s a 12-day turnaround there as far as concussion is concerned, HIAs etc, so you’re always going to be numbers down and you’ve got to be able to roll with the punches as far as that’s concerned.
"We’re happy with how our squad is developing, pushing each other and competing against each other.
"Rob has always added to our performance, let’s put it that way and I also think he can do a good job in this type of game for us."
READ NEXT:
Honeysuckle Cheltenham Festival call made following Irish Champion Hurdle second
Christian Atsu found alive after being 'trapped' in rubble after earthquake
Rory McIlroy mocks LIV rebels Patrick Reed and Phil Mickelson in Netflix series
James McClean plays for Wigan hours after birth of baby daughter as wife Erin hilariously reacts
Manchester City charged with numerous breaches of financial rules by Premier League
Get the latest sports headlines straight to your inbox by signing up for free email alerts
