Dublin (AFP) - Ireland captain Caelan Doris hopes the final home Test match for three Irish legends can give his side an “extra edge” in Saturday’s Six Nations blockbuster against title rivals France at Lansdowne Road.

Cian Healy, Ireland’s record caps holder with 136, scrum-half Conor Murray, who for many years formed a feared half-back partnership with Johnny Sexton, and Peter O’Mahony, last year’s championship-winning skipper, will retire from Test rugby after the final match against Italy in Rome on Saturday week.

They will hope to experience one more memorable moment at home by beating France and moving them to just one win from an unprecedented third successive Six Nations crown.

“It’s been touched on during the week and it’s definitely an added element of motivation for us,” said Doris at his eve-of-match press conference on Friday.

“I suppose you don’t want to get overly emotional and make it too big a thing and get sidetracked from the main objective.

“But it’s been thrown in as an extra motivational factor and it’s definitely something that we’ll think of and hopefully it will give us an extra edge as well.”

Doris succeeded 35-year-old O’Mahony as captain and he said he had learned a lot from his fellow backrow forward.

“The main thing is that sometimes his playing ability is under-appreciated,” he said.

“I probably did as well before I came in.

“He’s got very good knowledge of the game. He’s very skilful. His line-out ability is unbelievable.

“But just he’s loved amongst the group. He’s very personable in a unique way.

“He’s built a great bond with everyone around him.”

One of many engrossing match-ups for the game will be which of the No 8s, Doris or Gregory Alldritt, influence the match more.

- ‘He’s a nuisance’ -

Both have had fitness issues coming in, Doris having recovered from a knee injury which prevented him playing in the win over Wales while Alldritt has had a groin issue.

Doris and Alldritt are well-acquainted, as the former’s province Leinster and the latter’s Top 14 outfit La Rochelle have been regular opponents in the Champions Cup.

While Doris said the pair had not “built much of a relationship”.

“He’s obviously a talisman for them,” said Doris, who at 26 is a year younger than Alldritt.

“He’s one of the best in the world. As a No 8 myself, you always look at the others and try to add a string to your bow from what they do.

“He provides a lot of go forward for France, he’s a nuisance in terms of poach and back end in the breakdown, something that I try to do as well.”

- ‘Ultimate contest’ -

Although Alldritt sat out training on Wednesday he did have a run out on Friday and France captain Antoine Dupont said he was happy with what he saw.

“Sitting it out on Wednesday allowed him more time to be attended to by the medical staff,” said Dupont.

“But today he appeared to be in a very good condition.

“I am not worried for him.”

France are under no illusions about the challenge they are facing, said defence coach Shaun Edwards.

“It is the ultimate contest in the northern hemisphere coming to Dublin and to win here,” he said.

“The last two years they have been absolutely wonderful, great to watch too.

“I am prepared because I have listened to U2 and Thin Lizzy during the week,” the deadpan Edwards added.

Doris said he might have a beer with Alldritt after the match but he will for sure be having a few drinks with the soon-to-retire trio.

He will also be celebrating his 50th cap alongside prop Finlay Bealham and replacement Jack Conan – their families came to the team hotel on Thursday to take part in the festivities.

With so many personal landmarks, Doris said it is unclear who will lead the team out.

“What we did for the captain’s run is the three 50th caps held hands with the three lads who are retiring at the end of the year,” he said.

“So I doubt we’ll be doing that tomorrow,” he added with a wry smile.