IF James Ryan can make an impact like he did in his first Six Nations cap for his 50th Test appearance then Ireland will be on their way to a famous Six Nations victory.
That first clash with Les Bleus came in Paris in 2018, six months after his Test bow against the USA.
Then 21, Ryan played a big role as Ireland struck their first blow on their way to a third-ever Grand Slam.
Fast forward five years and the second row has skippered Ireland but after a quieter couple of season he has found his best form again at Test level under Farrell.
“I remember his first cap, and that was special," said the head coach.
"I remember him going out there against a big French pack and taking the game to them and since that game, the growth of his stature within the group has been phenomenal.
"They all look up to him, whether he knows it or not. It says a lot about his character, doesn’t it?
“His game’s developing in my opinion, the whole time. His attacking game is certainly developing.
"His decision-making is developing but he’s never lost what his point of difference is and that’s his work ethic, his fight.
"He’s got real inner strength to show his will to win so hopefully all that comes out on Saturday."
That prompted Farrell to bring up the names of Andrew Porter and Dave Kilcoyne, who are also hitting the half century of Test caps this weekend.
"I think it’s not celebrated as it should be," he said. "We’ve started to recognise it.
"I actually brought it in a couple of years ago and fed it back it back to two lads who have got their 50th - Simon Easterby and Paul (O'Connell) got one as well, because it’s special.
"To be so consistent, to get to 50 caps at that age, says a lot about how much the game means to them, how much it means to play for Ireland. I think it’s a phenomenal achievement.”
“David Kilcoyne as well. To have the resilience to hang in there.
"I know that he’s 42 (he's 34 really) but the resilience he has shown to take a few setbacks and keep on fighting and come back stronger each and every time says a hell of a lot about him.
"We’re delighted for all three of them.”
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