Eddie O'Sullivan expects the returning Jonathan Sexton to be targeted by France tomorrow at the Aviva, and for Mathieu Bastareaud to spearhead that charge.
The former Ireland head coach told Ivan Yates on Newstalk's Breakfast this morning the Racing Metro number 10 can expect a lot of traffic down his channel, but also reckons the French public will see Dublin as a daunting destination.
"No doubt about it, they'll target him because he coming back and he's been short of match practice. He's well known in France so they will go after him," said O'Sullivan.
"We would do the same with any player we thought was coming back from the long haul. You test him early on.
"[Ireland head coach] Joe Schmidt will expect Jonathan Sexton to see a lot of traffic down his channel early in the game.
"It'll probably be Mathieu Bastareaud in full flight, which is a frightening thought for anybody.
"Once Sexton settles into the game ... he'll be fine. But we have to accept there is a slight risk element there."
Former Ireland out-half Ronan O'Gara has commented on the negativity within France about the national team, and Eddie concurred: "[France coach Philippe] Saint-André's headset coming into the Six Nations is that he's preparing for the World Cup," said the Biarritz boss.
"He's been the most open about that of all the head coaches.
"There's impatience with the French public and that was doubled down last week when they fell over the line against Scotland in Paris.
"They are worried ... they see Ireland as a huge threat and coming to Dublin is a fairly daunting task for them at the moment, certainly the French public's eyes."
Eddie's weekend tips:
- Ireland will pick France apart eventually.
- Italy are in big trouble going [to Twickenham] against England.
- I've a sneaking suspicion Scotland might turn one over on Wales.
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