A much-needed weekend off for the national team provides a chance to regroup ahead of France at home and a trip to the Millennium Stadium to face Wales in the following two Saturdays.

The next encounter against the French will be a very, very difficult game.

Expectation is very high in Ireland at the moment, and I think this will be the biggest test yet.

France showed what they are capable of in the early stages against Wales last week before the Welsh stormed back to win in Paris.

There is a danger the Irish could be in for a backlash as France look to make amends for that defeat.

I have been disappointed in the performances of the French team so far in the RBS 6 Nations Championship, but Ireland must still be wary.

I do think Ireland are good enough to beat France, though. Like any match, this will be won and lost in the battle of the forwards, where Anthony Foley and second-rowers Malcolm OKelly and Paul OConnell have so far performed with distinction.

Brian ODriscoll, who proved yet again his star quality in last weekends win over England, misses this weekends tsunami fundraiser at Twickenham but thankfully looks like being fit for the French game.

It seems it could well come down to the final match against Wales to decide the Grand Slam winners, but for now the Irish just have to focus 100 per cent on France.