Too early for talk of title decider? Farrell plots Ireland masterclass in France

France and Ireland resume their respective Guinness Six Nations title bids with Saturday’s crunch clash in Paris.

Les Bleus began the tournament by recovering from a slow start to see off Italy, while the Irish are seeking a 10th consecutive Test win after brushing aside reigning champions Wales.

Here, the PA news agency picks out some of the main talking points ahead of a mouth-watering meeting at Stade de France.

Title decider?

Title talk may seem a tad early given it is only week two of the tournament but there is already a feeling this game could go a long way to deciding the outcome of this year’s Six Nations. Understandably so. Both teams recorded stunning autumn wins over the All Blacks and have earned plenty of admirers for their respective brands of exciting, attacking rugby. While silverware is likely to be far from the minds of coaches and players at this stage, the victors will certainly become red-hot favourites for championship glory.

Sexton absence opens door for Carbery

The headline news from Thursday’s team announcements was the injury absence of influential Ireland skipper Johnny Sexton. A hamstring strain for the 36-year-old has handed Joey Carbery a maiden Six Nations start and was no doubt a welcome boost for Les Bleus. Munster fly-half Carbery, who has endured an injury nightmare in recent years, impressed when deputising for Sexton in November. Yet he goes into arguably the biggest game of his career with last weekend’s 16-minute cameo against Wales his only action since fracturing an elbow in December.

Power of the packs

France have been able to overpower Ireland up front before. Les Bleus head coach Fabien Galthie is seemingly planning on doing it again after loading his bench with six forwards.