France will be better, but so will Ireland - Jackman

Bernard Jackman and Sean Cronin say they haven't been fooled by France's shaky Six Nations start, although they still believe Ireland will make it two wins from two when the sides meet this Saturday at the Aviva Stadium (live on RTÉ2 and RTÉ Player).

The defending Six Nations champions looked out of sorts at times in their Guinness Six Nations opener against Italy in Rome, needing to hold off a late Italian comeback to avoid what would have been a shock defeat.

Fabien Galthie's side, who haven't been beaten since July 2021, travel to Dublin as underdogs despite winning each of their last three meetings with Ireland.

And Jackman says he expects France to come out with a point to prove on Saturday afternoon.

"It's easy for them to build this into a bit of a cause," Jackman told the RTÉ Rugby podcast.

"They're the Grand Slam champions, Ireland are going to be favourites, they feel they should be number one in the world, Ireland are technically number one in the world.

"They're 14 games unbeaten, but they'll twist it that they're not getting respect they deserve."

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"Every week he just does something that makes me say 'Wow'... That fella is class."

Les Bleus were unusually sloppy at Stadio Olimpico, giving up a 19-6 lead at one stage, only for Mathieu Jalibert's try in the final quarter nudging them back in front.

And Jackman says their poor performance will ultimately just focus the minds of the French squad.

"It was a poor performance against Italy, Shaun Edwards will be furious