O'Sullivan wary of new French backs

Ireland coach Eddie O'Sullivan believes his team's Six Nations win over France provides confidence ahead of the two countries' World Cup quarter-final.

The French have named almost the same pack but a vastly different backline from the one which lost 15-12 in Dublin in March.

O'Sullivan believes it is those changes which present his side with the greatest danger.

"We have had some success against France in recent years," O'Sullivan. "All it does is confirm we're capable of beating France if we get things right.

"It doesn't mean it's a foregone conclusion, obviously. It's a question of getting our minds around the fact that if we deliver a big performance we can win the game."

Left winger Aurelien Rougerie is the only survivor from the Dublin defeat and the development by coach Bernard Laporte of their attacking options has O'Sullivan very wary indeed.

"In the backs it's a different cocktail in terms of trying to defend and attack against them. They seem to have got the balance right now with people in the right places," he said.

"Their centre combination is very strong, they have pace in the back three, and (Frederic) Michalak is always testing the gain line.

"It's a pretty balanced backline in the respect that their strike points are varied. It's a very good backline and it's a better backline than played in Dublin.

"We're going to have to be very diligent and patient in defence to stay with them and if they make a break or get a bust, they usually finish it."