But Bastide is eager to see his team show more consistency, and wants to try a few different players before the World Cup in France.

He said: “Now we can’t win the tournament so we have to look at our second objective, to finish as high as possible but also give some game time to some players who we haven’t seen as much of.

“We want to work on the team as a collective and prepare for the future objective of the World Cup.

“Against Ireland we want to repeat the good things we did both in attack and defence in the first three games, but too sporadically. We need to be more consistent and if we can do that, we won’t be far off.”

Ireland also find themselves planning for the future, having suffered two defeats in the competition so far to Wales and to Scotland, but coach Mike Ruddock is determined to see his side reproduce the performance levels that saw them account for defending champions England.

"We have a tough battle on our hands against a strong French team," said Ruddock.

"They have recalled to their squad a number of players with Heineken Cup experience. We need to reproduce our valiant effort we showed against England."

England meanwhile, hand a first start of the competition to flying winger Jack Nowell as they bid to keep the defence of their title alive and build on an impressive 40-10 victory over France.

And in Friday's third match, Wales have called up senior international Harry Robinson as they bid to maintain their 100 per cent winning record against a resurgent Scotland side, who also have designs on winning the Championship.