| Venue: Stade Ernest Wallon, Toulouse Date:Saturday, February 2, Kick-off:14:15 BST |
| Coverage: Watch on BBC Two Northern Ireland, BBC Red Button & BBC iPlayer; live text commentary on the BBC Sport website & app. |
Ciara Griffin, former captain of Ireland, explains in her BBC Sport NI column why Ireland must improve its discipline if they want to learn anything from Saturday’s frightening trip to France.
After the Wales defeat, Ireland will have some truths to share in its post-match analysis.
Losing a Six Nations opener is always tough, but Ireland will be disappointed with the way they let the Welsh back into the game in the second half.
For a while, it had looked promising for Ireland. Ireland took a lot of pressure from Wales in the first 20 minutes. Their defensive set was strong and they seemed settled after Amee Leigh Murphy Crowe’s opening try.
Ireland eventually conceded too many penalties, and their ineptness cost them the game.
Because you always speak of keeping the penalty count down to single digits, giving away 14 was asking for trouble and, in turn, hindered Ireland’s progress.
A major factor was also the strength of the Wales bench. Donna Rose, a tighthead, was brought on and scored two very important tries.
Sioned Harries was brought on at eight to stabilize the back row. Harries was a master at keeping the ball in at scrum-time, prompting Kat Roche, referee, to give Wales excellent attacking platforms inside the Irish 22.
There were also positive things for Ireland. Sam Monaghan played a great second row game. She is very energetic and physically active in her work-rate. However, her offloading game is also impressive. Her brilliant hands allow her to keep it alive.
Eve Higgins also did well at 13. She had a great gainline and her carries were strong through contact. They also got the ball on a good platform.
Katie O’Dwyer was successful in her first tighthead start. She made good tackles and maintained the line. Nicole Cronin brought different aspects to the attack, and she put players in space in different ways.
It was a proud moment for Nichola Fryday, her family and friends after she led the team out for the very first time. She carried herself very well, was good with the referees and her team, and really tried to push Ireland on.
It’s now on to France. There are no doubts about it: getting a result from Toulouse is difficult.
I already mentioned that there would have to be some home truths following the Wales match, but the Irish team would have admitted that they had let certain areas of the game down against Wales. They won’t be hiding.
France loves being at home and is proud of their grounds. They look solid again this year.
Ireland needs to concentrate on their style and play more of the attacking side. They will score some points if they do that.
Ireland will be focusing on line-out in defense and trying to establish a system for defending its maul. France will attack the maul after they have seen the difference Wales made from their rolling maul. Ireland’s chances will hinge on eliminating that threat.
Also, most penalties against Wales came from Ireland players not rolling away. If you see the ball exposed, you will go for it. However, you must understand that if your player doesn’t roll away, you need to let that ball go, fan out, and establish the defensive line.
‘France is full playmakers’
Ireland may try to break down the lines more in an attack. There were many options, but the blind was open and there were overlaps, so they have something they can do to keep France honest.
The execution of set pieces will also be important. Ireland will be looking to score around 80% against one of the most formidable teams in the globe, but they will also be cautious of the French pack.
They are strong and agile for their size. They possess excellent ball skills and almost everyone can playmaker. While their back three are dynamic, they cover the field well, are adept at drawing out defenses and getting the ball in space to gain that gainline.
Italy performed well against France in the opening half. However, Les Bleues’ superiority eventually won out.
Emeline Gros performed well, and Captain Gaelle Hermet again was strong. France has so many options and players returning from injury. They’ll be looking for ways to build on their victory over Italy and to put together another solid performance.
France’s defeat would be a serious blow to Ireland’s title hopes. But for this group, the campaign focuses on collective improvement.
Ireland would have wanted to win three home games. They must win the remaining two home games against Italy, Scotland and achieve collective progress away from France and England.
Ciara Griffin spoke to Matt Gault, BBC Sport.