We’re struggling to catch up

IT’S as if a line had been drawn in the sand. Two years on from the Grand Slam and after a period of indifferent form, this was the game that would offer the clearest indication of just exactly where this Irish team sits in international rugby.

Seven months out from the World Cup, it’s better we should know these things.

A summer and autumn of discontent in French rugby — they conceded 142 points in three games against South Africa, Argentina and Australia — made them vulnerable and exposed travelling to the Aviva Stadium for the first time despite that impressive win over Scotland last week. Were Ireland capable of taking advantage?