Where are France tactically? A French match-day squad with six forwards and two backs on the bench are intent on a forward battle. But, they are full of crazy running from deep inside their half especially with fullback Brice Dulin on the ball where he'll run it from his own line! In many ways Dulin tells the story; beautiful and balanced bouncing around in his 22; an individual. But I can't help asking myself is this dangerous for Ireland or France?

In other words, is this their exit strategy or is it something deeper; their strategy? Last week in Murrayfield 57 per cent of total play was in the French second quarter of the pitch (between the 22 and halfway line). This is not where teams want to be but it is where the French consistently find themselves and are most dangerous. Serge Blanco did it but this is different; where’s the French system?

Their defensive system will initially press up both sides off the breakdown but very quickly they quit hunting on the blindside. If Ireland keep up the pace, building phases the French laziness on the blindside is vulnerable to a power rewind or reverse attack. Rob Kearney can expose French lazy fatties. But France don't miss many tackles especially in the opening 20 minutes when avoiding monster Yoann Maestri is worthwhile.

In the past France would be conditioned to wait out Ireland's opening 20 minutes of passion. Now I feel it the other way around where Ireland must be especially conscious that France mentally fatigue after 20 minutes of each half – when chances will occur.

First centre
For years our midfield have been incredible on the deck but French No 13 Mathieu Bastareaud is immovable. As Ireland gain footholds in French territory the clearing Irish must be vigilant on his whereabouts. He often plays at first centre when France are defending. Watch how he loiters at the evolving breakdown pumps his open hands into the air and then plunges for the kill. Those rare opportunities can be spoiled by not taking care of Bastareaud.

With him in mind, the Irish front five led by Paul O'Connell and Devin Toner must fill the field hunting for the French strike runners limiting Brian O'Driscoll's contact. The front five bench are ready to replace broken bodies but O'Driscoll must stay on the pitch.

In fact the Irish bench which has thus far sparkled must be aware of the French scrum tactics. Initially they stay high and are very slow to crouch. I wonder why? Is this to keep the Ireland front row crouched longer and fatigued? In the closing stages of a tight game the French scrum will eke out kickable penalties. As they have six sub forwards they will end with almost a new pack! But if lumbering sub Sébastien Vahaamahina finds himself on the scrum flank he must be exposed.

Without springer Yannick Nyanga, their lineout is less predictable. A real concern for Ireland is the return of Dimitri Szarzewski and a dramatically improved lineout both in success but especially point of target which will change the dynamic of the French attack completely.

The key advantage France have – and where Ireland improved so brilliantly against Italy – is their conversion of overlaps. Scotland turned over on the French left-hand touchline 60 metres out.

Cynical play
An immediate and massive pass from scrumhalf Maxime Machenaud found Dulin who carried the ball in both hands. Then Jules Plisson (dropped) held in both hands once more, fixing the final two defenders David Denton and Stuart Hogg to get Yoann Huget powering down the right hand touchline; cynical play denied the try.

But in normal phase play France can become rudderless especially when No 10 isn’t first receiver. In not exposing this, Scotland made many errors, but especially the 13 to 5 penalty count; France won by a point. What this tells us; one weakness, one opportunity is all it takes from Huget et al to wake up and pounce.

So what do Ireland need to do? Dictate pace especially around the 20-minute mark in both halves. Reduce the error count from the Italian game and most crucially keep their shape when all around are losing theirs. The Irish dressing room is full of confidence and hence eager to improve.

Conversely the French dressing room will be a tough audience where Philip Saint Andre answers questions with banal generalities .

But high Irish tempo brings with it risk and turnovers are the oxygen France have lived on to win three from four. Nine Irish turnovers were too many against Italy and certainly 14 missed tackles was unacceptable. Italy with 25 per cent possession couldn’t capitalise; France will.

Sexton’s game management stuttered a tad in Twickenham but was supreme against Italy. I ask Sexton, who are the French strike men? What is the structure that’ll expose Ireland by getting those strike runners into momentum? And how do we prevent same? For instance, Sexton and Murray can afford a strong kicking game with Gordon D’Arcy and O’Driscoll marshalling defence. Our organisation should be confident given their disorganisation. This partnership will be sorely missed.

With the behemoth Tuilagi battering Italians in Rome let's recall King Henry who announced at Agincourt: 'Once more unto the breach, dear friends, once more'. You're reaching the end Brian O'Driscoll where French centre Gaël Fickou was five when you first pulled on the no 13 Irish jersey. Once more!
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