But despite this show of trust from the coaches, Médard is adamant he cannot afford to be anything but at his best against an Irish side still smarting from a 23-21 opening day defeat to Wales.

He said: “The fact that I’m the only specialist full-back in the squad is a sign of confidence. It’s true that when the squad was first announced I was quite surprised because Clément Poitrenaud had been playing well for Toulouse.

“But it’s not because I’m the only full-back that I feel like more of a starter than anyone else.

“I know how it works: in the French team you always have to be at your best. I know very well that if I don’t play well, I won’t play in the next game. In fact during the game François [Trinh-Duc] or Lionel Beauxis could easily replace me.

“I will have to be good under the high ball, but I’m not more worried than usual. In any case, whatever the game, there are always a few high balls to negotiate. And then, we’ve seen the video and we know more or less when the Irish are likely to kick.

“On every try [against Italy] I was just behind the scorer. But I was pleased for the others, Wesley Fofana for his first try, Vincent Clerc for his record.

“You know you can’t fall one or two metres behind because they are tough to catch. But with regards to the match above all I have a few regrets about my kicking game. I didn’t allow the team to go forward.”