If press reports emanating from France in recent days are anything to go by, some of Jonathan Sexton's former Racing Metro team-mates are not overly fond of our starting out-half.
His former coach Laurent Labit said as much in French rugby paper Midi Olympique, while France and Racing prop Eddy Ben Arous engaged in some pre-game mind games by suggesting that the French players will "hunt him down".
Plus there was the "Zlatan Ibrahimovic of rugby" tag conferred upon him by an anonymous Racing source.
But what else have the French press been reporting about the Irish team in general in the lead up to Sunday?
Reacting to the naming of the French team today, Le Monde's says Brice Dulin's inclusion on the France wing is due to his mastery of the aerial game in which Ireland are extremely strong.
They also quote head coach Philippe Saint-Andre as saying that both Dulin and full-back Scott Spedding's selections leave France better able to counter the Irish counter-attack.
Jonathan Sexton alongside head coach Laurent Labit ©INPHO/Presse Sports
Le Monde also remind themselves that Saint-Andre has never actually beaten Ireland since his elevation to head coach in 2012. Let's hope it stays that way, mes amis!
Meanwhile, Rugbynistere have a full profile of the Ireland team for their readers. They describe Ireland as the "leading outsider for World Cup glory" on the back of back-to-back Six Nations successes, and suggest that Joe Schmidt's side enter Sunday's game as favourites. They also re-emphasise that Saint Andre's recent record against the Irish is less glorious than previous France eras.
Echoing Racing Metro fans' supposed disappointment at Sexton, Rugbynistere goes on to say that the out-half is transformed once he dons an Irish jersey. The other player they pick out is Simon Zebo, who they say must be watched vigilantly.
Indeed, they say "he and Keith Earls are the X-Factor in the Irish team" at present.
Download the brand new OffTheBall App in the Play Store & App Store right now! We've got you covered!
Subscribe to OffTheBall's YouTube channel for more videos, like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter for the latest sporting news and content.
