Six Nations 2018: Rory Best warns Ireland debutants Paris cauldron will be test of nerve
Ireland star Rory Best says Six Nations will separate men from boys
Lock James Ryan, wing Jacob Stockdale and centre Bundee Aki will all make their tournament bow in Paris’s imposing stadium this afternoon.
Best admitted Test match rugby in the vast and colourful ground is always an attack on the senses, from the baying home faithful to the brass bands’ constant chorus.
And the Lions hooker conceded that how the trio of Six Nations debutants handle their Paris initiation could prove pivotal to Ireland’s chances of victory.
“At this stage they probably are a little bit unaware as to the magnitude of the game, to come to the Stade de France, the atmosphere, the microscope you’re under in the Six Nations,” said Best.
“It’s probably going to be a bit of a surprise for them, but they are used to big games, and they performed well in the autumn series.
“Sometimes not knowing what’s coming is a good thing, there’s less for you to fear. The big thing is to play the match and not the occasion.