France are counting on teenage centre Gael Fickou to provide the spark against Ireland and wreck Brian O’Driscoll’s send off.
Irish centre O’Driscoll will make his 141st and final Test appearance at the Stade de France tomorrow as the visitors chase their first Six Nations crown since the 2009 Grand Slam. He will come up against a France side, who despite some lacklustre displays, still have a chance of the title.
France coach Philippe Saint‑Andre has made four changes to his starting team with his most intriguing coming at centre where 19-year-old Fickou comes in for Maxime Mermoz.
Fickou scored the match-winning try in the 26-24 opening win over England and finally receives his first start. His midfield contest with the 35-year-old O’Driscoll will be one to watch.
“The speed and youth of Gael Fickou gives us some interesting options,” said Saint-Andre. “He’s in form and we need to see him express his talent. It will be a real challenge for him and Mathieu Bastareaud against a good pair of centres in O’Driscoll and [Gordon] D’Arcy. But we believe in him. He’s settled in our squad now and is feeling good both mentally and physically.”
Fickou is relishing the challenge and said: “I’m immensely proud given the context — against Ireland in the last game of the tournament, at Stade de France and against O’Driscoll. He’s an icon in Ireland and has done so much for them.”
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