Brian O'Driscoll v Mathieu Bastareaud 'a pivotal clash'

Tuesday 9 February 2010
Published By: David Rawlings
Six Nations > France

Pundits are salivating over the clash between the two Six Nations favourites this weekend and there is perhaps no on-field battle as highly-anticipated as the one between Ireland's Brian O'Driscoll and France's Mathieu Bastardeaud.

Bastardeaud has had to fight of the tag of wild child in the last few months, but his brace of tries against Scotland got the French public back on-side and set up what is now a mouth-watering collision with the Irish centre, according to the Daily Telegraph's Brendan Gallagher.

He pointed to the fact that the tie will take place at the Stade de France, where O'Driscoll burst onto the scene ten years ago by claiming a devastating hat-trick and sinking the French ship.

"O'Driscoll has reigned supreme for a decade since then, but you fancy Bastareaud is a worthy opponent and an individual capable of being the benchmark midfield player in the Six Nations well into this next decade," Mr Gallagher said.

Meanwhile, France coach Marc Lievremont has named an unchanged squad heading into the game, which he said is an attempt to keep some continuity in the side "despite uncertainties".

Posted by David Rawlings