Numbers add up for France as Ireland brace for impact

Ireland will have to brace themselves for the most fired-up France side imaginable when the sides clash in the fourth round of the Guinness Six Nations on Saturday (2.15pm, live on RTÉ).

This France team is on a mission.

Ireland are three from three so far, while France fell to a late England sucker-punch, this game will likely decide the outcome of the championship.

If Ireland win, then a Grand Slam coronation awaits in Rome.

However, if the visitors prevail, they will welcome Scotland to Stade de France in round five aiming to seal just their second title since 2010.

Ireland were superb in the 38-17 win in Marseille last season but Les Bleus were still coming to terms with their World Cup exit and were without their main man, Antoine Dupont, who switched to Sevens.

Simon Easterby's side need to find their most complete performance since that victory in France last February.

While certain aspects of the wins over England and Scotland were most pleasing, and getting out of trouble in Wales also showed a team capable of thinking their way around the course, they will know France will punish any similar lulls like that occurred in those matches.

"In terms of the standards [Ireland have] set, they’ve probably played better games in the previous 12 months than the last 12 months," former number 8 Jamie Heaslip told RTÉ Sport.

"They’ll have to be on point for everything. This is an incredibly dangerous French side."

France, second in the table, three points behind Ireland, top the averages charts in points scored per match (47), tries (7), carry metres (891), points per entry to 22 (3.8) and offloads (16.3).

Ahead of what’s expected to be a really tight game, France’s lineout is the best in the competition at 97.4%, while Ireland's is