O'Sullivan wants to create Croker Colosseum

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Ireland coach Eddie O'Sullivan has challenged his players to turn Croke Park into a 'colosseum' that intimidates the opposition.

The stadium will host its first rugby international tomorrow when Ireland meet France in a potentially epic clash that will shape the RBS 6 Nations title race.

With double the capacity of Lansdowne Road, which has been closed for redevelopment, O'Sullivan is sure Croke Park will prove inspirational.

He said: 'Playing at Croke Park will be a big boost because there will be a lot of excitement, a lot of expectation and a lot of hype around.

'We've always had that at Lansdowne Road but there's that bit extra edge there this weekend.

'It's the first rugby game at Croke Park and that will heighten the intensity. There will be 82,300 voices, most of them cheering for Ireland for a change.

'Usually, when we go to the big stadiums in Paris or London most of the crowd are cheering for the opposition.

'We also saw that in Cardiff last weekend. Cardiff has become a very difficult place to go and win because of the intensity that the crowd bring to the game.

'I hope that we'll create our own little colosseum in Croke Park. That will help us to increase the pressure on the opposition.

'Maybe they'll become a little bit intimidated, which can happen when you're away from home against a big crowd.

'That's the type of atmosphere and support we want, that surge of energy that comes from the crowd and that can push the team on.'