Denise O'Sullivan: 'We must be switched on for every minute and not switch off at all'

Slipping up against the lowest ranked team in the group tonight is incomprehensible for the French despite all the niceties they gifted during the pre-match press activity.

SWITCHED ON: Denise O'Sullivan believes Ireland need to be 'switched on' for whole game against third ranked team in the world France. Pic: Stephen McCarthy/Sportsfile

Everywhere in Metz, including the Stade Saint-Symphorien, the sight of the fortified German Gates bridge castle is visible and it represents a metaphor for Ireland’s task.

Eileen Gleeson’s side are anticipating being besieged by the aristocrats, a team packed with star quality but lacking a major tournament triumph to justify the hype.