Conor Murray backs Ireland fans to have Aviva 'hopping' against France

Conor Murray has no doubt Aviva Stadium will be "hopping" for Ireland v France, even if the blockbuster clash has been given matinee status.

Ireland could be crowned Guinness Six Nations champions with a game to spare, although Simon Easterby's side would have to beat France convincingly and then rely on Italy beating England on Sunday. However, the race is set to go down to the wire on Super Saturday on 15 March.

That makes this weekend’s tie, which kicks off at 2.15pm, a de facto final.

The atmosphere for some Ireland games at the Lansdowne Road venue has been the subject of much debate over the years, with frustration voiced about disengaged fans and noticeable in-match lulls.

The teams played out a classic in Dublin two years ago, with Ireland prevailing 32-19, however, for certain periods during the game, it was the travelling French fans who outsung their hosts.

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"I don’t think there’s any message needed for the fans for this one," Murray, who will likely play his final home international, told RTÉ Sport.

"It is such a big game and everyone knows what’s riding on it.

"I don’t think the kick-off time has any bearing on the atmosphere. You know by the end of the warm-up what the vibe will be like.

"This game is as big as it gets.

"That’s part of the connection the fans over the years. They know their rugby well.

"They know how much is on the line and it will be hopping. It will be right up there."

Murray, alongside Cian Healy and Peter O'Mahony, announced they will retire from Test