The majority of the rugby media seem to be fearful of the threat that France pose to Ireland ahead of their Paris meeting next Saturday. Yes, the six-day turnaround could be problematic for Ireland - but this French team isn't as good as their history and record against Ireland suggest.
Their task to record their first victory over Ireland in four years just got even harder however, because early in their narrow victory over Italy - the talismanic Louis Picamoles went off injured for the young and promising Yacouba Camara.
French head coach Guy Noves has already confirmed that Picamoles will miss next week's game against Ireland, with what looks like a tear in his right thigh. Given the impact that Picamoles has had for France even though the wilderness years - it will be a big loss for France, with Sean O'Brien set to return for that game to join CJ Stander in a potentially titanic ball carrying duel.
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Picture credit: Stephen McCarthy / SPORTSFILE
