You are in > manchester.com  > News > Irish looking forward to Croke Park debut

Rugby Union

Irish looking forward to Croke Park debut

11/02/2007

Ireland captain Paul O'Connell says his team are looking forward to their debut at Croke Park, the home of Gaelic football, when they take on France in the Six Nations.

The steep stands at the ground - which holds over 82,000 fans - are renowned for creating a pulsating atmosphere and O'Connell hopes this will drive the team to success against France.

He said: "The Croke Park aspect of it is something we'll enjoy and use as motivation but we must realise it won't win us the game.

"France have played in plenty of hostile grounds so they're well used to that sort of thing."

The game is being played there because of ongoing reconstruction work at Lansdowne Road and O'Connell is hoping to christen their temporary home with a win.

"History would look more favourably on a team that won their first game at Croke Park rather than lost it," he said.

France coach Bernard Laporte knows that if his team overcome Ireland they will become favourites to retain their Six Nations crown. The Frenchman says that is the only incentive he needs to give his players ahead of the encounter.

He said: "If we win, we will have the cards in hand to win the tournament and if we lose it will be them, as this year they have the advantage of three home games."

Ireland will have to cope without the talismanic Brian O'Driscoll and scrum-half Peter Stringer for the vital clash but will hope to make home advantage pay off nevertheless.

© Adfero Ltd