Jackman outlines French concerns ahead of Paris clash

Ireland's ability to cope with French power and speed will go a long way to determining Saturday’s Six Nations clash in Paris, and indeed the destination of the title, according to Bernard Jackman.

Andy Farrell’s side made a bonus-point winning start in dominating a limited Welsh side in Dublin, while 24 hours later, France condemned Italy to a 33rd successive defeat in the tournament with a 37-10 success at a rain-soaked Stade de France.

The standout fixture in round two will see the competition heavyweights compete in Paris as Ireland look to maintain the momentum built up from a successful autumn series.

Speaking on RTÉ’s Morning Ireland, rugby analyst Jackman reiterated his praise of the Irish performance - "the ability to move ball and find space, the passing skills, execution and speed of thought were really impressive" - but cautions that a huge challenge awaits in the French capital, notwithstanding the growing self-belief within the camp.

Italy were within eight points of Les Blues at the interval on Sunday, but the home side came good eventually, with winger Gabin Villiere running in a hat-trick, the first French player to do so since Vincent Clerc against Ireland in 2008.

"Some people weren’t impressed by France, but being there, the weather conditions were horrible," the former Ireland and Leinster hooker said.

"Italy were well organised and aggressive defensively. It took France a while to break them down, but they managed to still get 37 points and valuable game time into their key players, Antoine Dupont and Romain Ntamack, both who have struggled for game time.

"That’s a second 70 minutes in a row for Dupont, who before that he had missed six weeks. They will be much better next week.

"There were also elements of