JOE Schmidt believes Ireland can overcome their mental block to claim the Six Nations title in Paris on Saturday, with the squad only suffering one injury concern ahead of the final game.
The Ireland coach is looking to sports psychologist Enda McNulty to help the side secure victory as they travel to the Stade de France.
Schmidt believes that McNulty's "mind fitness" work can drive Ireland to their first Six Nations title since 2009.
Former Armagh Gaelic football star McNulty has remained a part of Ireland’s backroom team under Schmidt, since being recruited by then-coach Declan Kidney for last year's Six Nations.
"I'm not smart enough to be a sports psychologist, so I rely on other people doing the mind fitness," said Schmidt.
"And Enda McNulty has been a good addition over the last little while, from before my time, to help guys stay on track and make sure that they are just process-focused and just game-focused."
With the help of McNulty, he is now aiming to drive Ireland past their Parisian mental block.
"I'm not a big believer in superstition," he said. "I would describe it as the 'pensee de parasite', it's a parasite of thinking that is a distraction.
Cian Healy was injured after scoring their third try against Italy"I don't think we can get too distracted by the history or by the results, or by the points differential. Regardless of what does happen we will be very much focused on trying to put in the best performance we can."
Ireland can be confident, however, that any margin of victory should be enough to secure the Six Nations crown, after their 46-7 triumph over Italy awarded them a plus-81 points difference.
Cian Healy ended Saturday’s home game against Italy as Ireland’s only injury concern, whilst Johnny Sexton’s strapped thumb did not cause any further ill effect during the game.
An IRFU statement read: “Cian took a knock to his ankle scoring his try. In an effort to expedite his recovery and limit swelling he was put in a boot overnight and is already recovering well.”
Scrum-half Eoin Reddan looked towards the fixture against France and claimed that if Ireland fail to win the game, the tributes to Brian O’Driscoll during his last home international will be overshadowed.
"This win over Italy won't mean much if we don't back it up next week," said Reddan.
"We already spoke about that in the dressing room after the game.
"It was a great occasion, but the players have to pay their respects in terms of delivering in Paris for him.
"Now we as players have to deliver, and give him a pat on the back in a different way, and produce a huge performance in France to give him a proper and well-deserved send-off.
See More: France, Ireland, Joe Schmidt, Rugby, Six Nations
