Confident Ireland chase historic win in France

Confident Ireland chase historic win in FranceImage source, Getty ImagesImage caption, Scrum-half Emily Lane notched three try assists in Ireland's first two gamesByMatt GaultBBC Sport NI senior journalistPublished2 minutes agoIreland have been unequivocal about their goals for 2026.For them, it's time to shatter the England-France duopoly atop the Women's Six Nations and break into the top four in the world rankings. They could take a huge step towards achieving both on Saturday night when they face the French inside Clermont's iconic Stade Marcel-Michelin. It is a tantalising prospect for the self-styled 'Green Wave', but to topple France in their own backyard, Ireland must overcome the burden of history.Ireland have never beaten Les Bleus in France and their last home win was nine years ago. Since a 13-10 success in Dublin in 2017, Ireland have lost all seven Six Nations encounters (they didn't meet in the Covid-hit 2020 tournament). France's average winning margin across that period was 30 points. And, of course, there was last year's agonising World Cup quarter-final loss in Exeter when France recovered from 13-0 down to win 18-13 and break Irish hearts.France v IrelandWomen's Six NationsSaturday 25 April, 20:10 BSTStade Marcel-Michelin, ClermontWatch on iPlayerLive on BBC Two NI and BBC Sport website and appFrance edged the knockout game at Sandy Park after a similarly tight Six Nations contest in Belfast last year, which they won 27-15 thanks to two late scores.While both ended in French joy and deepened the green scar tissue in this rivalry, there was enough evidence to suggest the current Ireland crop are capable of breaking their duck. And having dispatched Italy with a ruthless nine-try display in Galway last week, Ireland have thought better of painting themselves as underdogs for the France game. "I'd be worried, if I was them," said full-back Stacey Flood when asked what France would have...