Keenan confident Ireland can go toe to toe with France's kicking kings 

The French gave over twice as many tries (21 to ten) and some of their attacking rugby has been every bit as sumptuous as the finest of Bordeaux reds. But they put boot to ball, too.

KEY MAN: Hugo Keenan helped Optimum Nutrition launch its #TruthUnlocked campaign. INPHO/James Crombie

Next up: the French. Eleven tries in Rome last weekend. Seven on opening night against Wales in Paris. Three in defeat to England in London where Fabien Galthié’s side suffered that awful case of the ‘dropsies’ and left a litter of scores and the match points behind them.

France have scored 55 more points than Ireland so far in this Six Nations. They have over twice as many tries (21 to ten) and some of their attacking rugby has been every bit as sumptuous as the finest of Bordeaux reds. But they put boot to ball, too.