France v Ireland, Bordeaux, August 13
History on France's side
ESPNscrum Staff
August 8, 2011
France's Thierry Lacroix lines up for the national anthems, France v South Africa, Stade Gerland, Lyon, France, November 15, 1997
Thierry Lacroix nailed 26 points in France's win over Ireland in 1995 © Getty Images
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Players/Officials: Thierry Lacroix
Tournaments/Tours: Rugby World Cup
Teams: France | Ireland

France entertain Ireland in Bordeaux on Saturday riding an impressive run of form against their European rivals.

The hosts hold a significant historical advantage having won 54 of the 88 Tests between the two countries since their inaugural match back in 1909. France have also dominated the most recent meetings between the two - most recently winning 25-22 in Dublin during this year's Six Nations - with the Irish scoring just one victory in their previous 10 clashes.

It is the first time the two sides have met at the Stade Chaban-Delmas where Ireland have played as many games as France. The French have had mixed fortunes at the ground having lost against South Africa in 1996 and beaten Namibia in 1999. Ireland's general record in France does not make good reading with France victorious in 31 of the 42 matches staged on French soil. They did win two games at the ground during the 2007 Rugby World Cup - but they will take little from the much-criticised victories over Namibia and Georgia.

Ireland last took the plaudits against the French on their own patch back in 2000 when they won 27-25 at the Stade de France thanks largely to a Brian O'Driscoll hat-trick.

All-time record: France won 54, Ireland won 29, drawn 5

Biggest winning margin: France: 39, 44-5 at Stade de France, 2002; Aus: 24, 24-0 at Cork, 1913

Highest score: France: 45 (45-10) at Parc des Princes, 1996; Ireland: 31 (31-43) at Stade de France, 2006

Most tries: France: 7 (45-10) at Parc des Princes, 1996, (44-12) at Parc des Princes, 1992; Ireland: 6 (24-0) in Cork, 1913

Longest winning sequence: France: 15 (1986-1999); Ireland: 6 (1909-1914) and (1924-1928)

Most points (individual): France: Didier Camberabero (50); Ireland: Ronan O'Gara (111)

Most tries (individual): France: Christian Darrouy (8); Ireland: Brian O'Driscoll (8)

Most points in a Test: France: 26 Thierry Lacroix at Durban 1995; Ireland: 17 Michael Kearnan (1989) and Ronan O'Gara (2001 and 2007)

  • Click Here for France's Test record courtesy of Statsguru

  • Click Here for Ireland's Test record courtesy of Statsguru

  • Click Here for a record of all France v Ireland matches courtesy of Statsguru

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