However Les Bleus missed 25 tackles at the Stade de France, conceding three tries to the Scots.

It was their ability to pounce on turnover ball which proved the difference as all four of their tries came from the Scots losing the ball.

Ireland have a dismal record against today’s visitors with just one win in their last nine encounters, but that 30-21 victory came the last time they hosted France in Dublin on their way to a grand slam.

“We will attack them,” said the Australian Gaffney.

“It’s the only way to play a French side, whether you’re playing at international or Heineken Cup level.

“There’s no point sitting back against the French. That’s exactly what they want you to do.

“You’ve got to take the game to them.

“If we turn over some of the ball we did last weekend we’ll be punished, and we understand that.

“But that’s the pressure these guys like playing under. We’re not going to withdraw. We’re still going to play the way we know.”