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Thierry Henry’s handball denied Ireland a place at the 2010 World Cup
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He has been to speak to France’s rugby team ahead of their match with Ireland
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Ireland will be hoping Henry does not come back to haunt them once again
showdown with Ireland this weekend.
Saturday’s clash at the Aviva Stadium looks set to be a title decider, with the victors likely to go on and seal the championship a week later.
France thrashed Italy 73-24 last time out as they bounced back from a one-point defeat by England, and will be looking to spoilt the party in Dublin.
Henry knows all about raining on the Irish parade, having done exactly that when his infamous handball set up the decisive goal in France’s play-off win over Republic of Ireland ahead of the 2010 World Cup.
And he has now set his sights on inspiring France to another win over the Irish after giving the players a pep talk at their training camp this week.
posted about Henry’s visit on Instagram alongside the message: ‘Thank you M. Thierry Henry for these inspiring sharing moments passed with our #XVdeFrance.’
The post was accompanied by several photos as Henry posed for pictures with the players including star man Antoine Dupont, and greeted head coach Fabien Galthie.
He was also seen sitting on a chair at the front of the room and speaking to the players as they listened intently to his every word.
Henry left the meeting with a signed France shirt after wishing his fellow countrymen well for their match with Ireland.
There is little to split Ireland and France heading into Saturday’s match, with the game expected to be decided on fine margins.
Ireland will hope that Henry’s words of wisdom do not give France an edge in the contest as they aim to stop the Arsenal icon from haunting them again.
It has been over 15 years since Henry’s controversial act stopped Ireland from advancing to the World Cup in South Africa, and he has since apologised.
But the handball has never been forgotten in Ireland, and Henry’s involvement with the French rugby team will only add extra spice to this weekend’s huge occasion.
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