Maso was bitterly disappointed with the number of basic mistakes made by France in the second-half of their Paris defeat, and he has urged his players to focus on the basics in order to defeat the Irish.

Ireland have won each of their opening three games in this years RBS 6 Nations tournament, and Maso believes they will provide the French with an even sterner test than Wales.

Maso said: With Bernard (Laporte), I saw the (Wales) match on video and I honestly feel we gave the win to Wales. We should have won if you see our first half (performance).

Now we are going to make a plan with the players to try and beat Ireland - being both attacking and defensive.

We cannot make the mistakes we made against Wales. France have changed 50% of their squad. It was difficult to beat Ireland in the past and today it is very difficult, added Maso, who believes every one of the French players will need to stand up and be counted if they are to down Ireland.

In my opinion Ireland are better than Wales. The fight on Saturday will be strong. The Irish play well, they have the fighting spirit and I hope France will have the same mentality, he said.