We scored so quickly at the start of the game that it almost confused us into thinking that the game would be easy.

The forwards found it hard to make a start and Rona O'Gara was struggling behind the scrum - he was kicking poorly out of hand and it was obviously difficult for him.

Rory Best played well but the lineout struggled as a whole with its timing, which could have been down to the lineout calls and a bit of inexperience being shown.

The calls depend on who you are playing and they can be changed at the last second - which can be difficult. Ireland are taking a softly softly approach with Jerry Flannery at the moment but Rory Best is a good player and throws in well to the lineout.

Gordon D'Arcy is playing so well he is oozing with confidence and he is producing some fantastic stuff and gives us great go forward.

I can not wait for the visit of France to Croke Park it will be a magnificent occasion in front of 82,00 in the first match at the stadium and I am backing Ireland to come out on top.

The French can be erratic and they are a bit unsettled at the moment after making some changes again - so they could be there for the taking.