Six Nations - Ireland v France: All you need to know

Some are calling it an early Grand Slam decider, but in reality this game doesn't need the cheap hype.

For the first time ever, a Six Nations game will pair off the world's number one and two sides. And while the World Cup later this year will ultimately decide if those rankings are warranted, there's little doubt that right now Ireland and France are a level above the rest.

Both sides come into Round 2 off the back of bonus-point wins, although in very different ways.

Ireland started like a train against Wales in Cardiff with three tries virtually killing the game off inside half an hour, and while they stuttered along in the third quarter, there was never any danger of them being reeled in by the Welsh.

France were largely unconvincing in their 29-24 win against Italy in Rome, needing a Matthieu Jalibert try in the final 15 minutes, and a late defensive stand, to avoid what would have been one of the all-time Six Nations shocks.

The contrasting performances have nudged Ireland into narrow favourites for the weekend, as they look to beat France for the first time under Andy Farrell, with their last win against Les Bleus coming back in 2019.

Twelve months ago in Paris the sides served up a thriller, Ireland recovering from 22-7 down at half time to get back within one point, before Fabien Galthie's side rallied to hold off the comeback.

Even without the World Cup hanging over this fixture it stands on its own legs, but the fact that these sides are on a potential collision course in a quarter-final later this year adds another layer of intrigue.

Don't expect any shadowboxing.

TV Ireland v France is live on RTÉ2 and RTÉ Player, with coverage getting under way from 1.15pm

RADIO RTÉ Radio 1's Saturday Sport will have live commentary