Robbie Henshaw has called on Ireland to take inspiration from their 2018 Paris heroics as they prepare for a Guinness Six Nations decider in France.
Ireland can win a second Championship in three years with a bonus-point win on Saturday night but anything less than that could open the door for England, who travel to Italy at 4.45pm (GMT).
France are also in contention and need to beat Ireland to stand any chance of winning a first title in ten years but the Men in Green have the upper hand when it comes to their recent encounters.
Ireland have won six of their last seven matches with France, including that memorable Round 1 victory in Paris two years ago when Johnny Sexton’s last-gasp drop goal at the end of a 41-phase move snatched a thrilling 15-13 win.
Ireland carried that momentum for the rest of the Championship and finished with their third Grand Slam and centre Henshaw is hoping to summon that spirit at the Stade de France.
“It’s always challenging playing on the road, especially in the Stade de France, because it’s so hard to win there first and foremost,” he said.
“France are almost like a different team when they play there. But, yeah, just having that confidence in each other to back ourselves.
“That’s definitely the thing we spoke about before that (2018) game – it’s just to really go after it and not go into our shells.
“And make sure we deliver the best performance, because in these competitions, to do well, you obviously have to start well if you are to get your win on the road.
“It’s weird, we’re only into the second week, but the great thing is we’re playing for the trophy. There’s silverware on the line, so there’s a great buzz around the place. It’s a final basically.
“We need to put on the best performance we can, and hopefully go over there and do that.”
Henshaw is in contention to start after Garry Ringrose was ruled out for up to six weeks due to a broken jaw.
Henshaw replaced his Leinster teammate against Italy on Saturday and could partner Bundee Aki, while John Cooney could be involved in the match-day squad after earning a recall to cover for fellow scrum-half Jamison Gibson-Park, who has a tight hamstring.
Ireland coach Andy Farrell will name his squad on Wednesday afternoon.
