The problem is that's one big 'if' at the moment. France appear to know well how to beat Eddie O'Sullivan's Ireland. In seven games between the sides under the coach's reign, France have won six times, with Ireland's sole win coming at Lansdowne Road in March 2003. Consider that fact alongside O'Sullivan's record in away fixtures, or games at neutral venues, against the world's top six sides apart from Ireland . . .

New Zealand, Australia, South Africa, France, England and Argentina. In 18 matches away to the above over the past five and half years, Ireland have won only two, a win ration of 11 per cent. When you consider that both those victories came against a pretty shoddy England side at Twickenham, you'll realise that this Ireland side travel about as well as their soccer counterparts. One last statistic to depress you even further. Under O'Sullivan, Ireland have conceded an average of 40.6 points against France in Paris.

If they do manage to beat the hosts on Friday, it will be a serious achievement. If they don't, it's pretty vital they get a losing bonus point to ensure that they don't have to do anything more than simply beat Argentina at the Parc des Princes on 30 Sept.