It’s going back a fair way, to be sure. But when Ireland and France run out at Croke Park on February 7, the opening day of the 2009 RBS 6 Nations Championship, it will mark the 100th meeting between the countries.

One hundred years ago when the sides met, World War 1 hadn’t even started and it certainly wasn’t an official Five Nations match. For France did not officially participate in the Championship until the following year.

Nevertheless, Ireland’s 19-8 victory over the French in Dublin that day marked the start of rugby contests between the two nations and rousing contests they have proved ever since.

Ireland won the first six matches but of greater concern to Brian O’Driscoll’s men is a more recent statistic. France has won the last seven meetings, dating back to the 2003 World Cup in Australia.

No better incentive then for Ireland at the start of a new Six Nations than to end that poor run.