Dupont plays down Henry visit before Ireland game

Men's Six Nations: Ireland v France

Venue: Aviva Stadium, Dublin Date: Saturday, 8 March Kick-off: 14:15 GMT

Coverage: Listen live on BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra, Radio Ulster & BBC Sounds; text commentary and highlights on BBC Sport website and app; watch on ITV1

Antoine Dupont has played down Thierry Henry's visit to the France camp before Saturday's crunch Six Nations game against Ireland in Dublin.

Former France and Arsenal football star Henry, whose handball famously ended the Republic of Ireland's hopes of qualifying for the 2010 World Cup, spoke to Fabien Galthie's squad earlier this week.

In the play-off game at Stade de France in November 2009, Henry's handball was not spotted by officials in the build-up to William Gallas' extra-time goal, which sealed France's place at the finals in South Africa at the Irish team's expense.

Henry later apologised for using his hand to keep the ball in play while Dupont says there is "no link" between the 47-year-old's visit and facing Six Nations champions Ireland.

"We talked about performance at a high level, and how you can deal with pressure, away [from home] especially," said the France captain.

"I think he has long experience and I hope he has inspired us for this weekend."

A smiling Dupont added: "But we didn't talk a lot about the hand[ball]."

Dupont's France are hoping to leapfrog three-in-a-row chasing Ireland at the top of the table on Saturday ahead of next week's final round of fixtures.

France, who have lost their past two games against Ireland, have been boosted by fly-half and Dupont's Toulouse team-mate Romain Ntamack's return from suspension.

"We know each other very well for a long time now," added Dupont, who did not play against Ireland last year because of his Olympic Games preparations.

"It's important for the team as well. He knows the system very well. His difference will be very important tomorrow and I'm sure he will be at his best."

Ireland, who are chasing the Grand Slam and an unprecedented third successive Six Nations title, have won 29 of their past 31 home games.

"It's the ultimate challenge in the northern hemisphere to come to Dublin and win, without a shadow of a doubt," France defence coach Shaun Edwards said.

"The last two years they have been absolutely marvellous and great to watch.

"We have all been preparing hard. I have been listening to Thin Lizzy all week and U2, watching Steve Collins fights from the 90s, so I feel ready!"

Fit-again captain Caelan Doris said Ireland must be at "our best" to stop Dupont and France leaving Dublin with victory.

"We're very much aware of the threat they pose and the quality they've got individually but what they can do collectively as well," said Doris, who missed Ireland's win over Wales with a knee injury.

"We're definitely aware that we're going to need to be at our best. But there's excitement to go there and to have our best performance yet."

Doris added: "Some of the fixtures against France in the past are up there with my favourite games that I've been involved in.

"Marseille last year was a special venue to play in, very cool. Thinking back to the Aviva in '23, unbelievable atmosphere, very good game, one of the highest ball-in-play times that we've had.

"It's two teams with an attacking mindset and attacking desire so hopefully it will make for a good watch."