Two weeks that will decide Maro Itoje-Caelan Doris Lions captain debate
Just as the destiny of the Guinness Six Nations championship looks set to be settled when France face Ireland in Dublin, this seismic contest is also likely to have major implications for the British and Irish Lions squad.
It promises to be the kind of acid test that can provide compelling evidence for Lions head coach Andy Farrell when he sits down to select his touring party for Australia, and none more so than Ireland captain Caelan Doris.
The 26 year-old, who missed Ireland's victory over Wales because of a knee injury, is expected to return to the starting XV to face France. The Leinster No 8 went into the championship widely regarded as the frontrunner to be Lions captain, a billing that was further enhanced as Ireland powered to victories over England and Scotland.
His captaincy on the international stage may be still in its infancy – he first rose to the challenge of leading Ireland in the second Test in Durban as Farrell's side defeated the Springboks 25-24 last July, but his stature has grown since taking over the role on a permanent basis from Peter O'Mahony.
And that it was Farrell who promoted him last autumn before stepping down to assume his Lions duties provides an insight into the regard he is held within the Ireland management.
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