Six Nations 2022: France v Ireland 'the crunch game' - Eddie O'Sullivan

Former Ireland coach Eddie O'Sullivan says this weekend's match between Andy Farrell's side and France is key to deciding the 2022 Six Nations winners.

Ireland made it nine wins in a row by beating Wales 29-7 in Dublin on Saturday, with the French defeating Italy 37-10 in Paris the following day.

«This is probably the crunch game of the tournament. I think these are the best two teams,» said O'Sullivan.

«Whoever wins this one will be eyeing up the championship for sure.»

«If you look at the level of rugby Ireland and France are playing at the moment I think they are the pick of the crop,» he told BBC Radio Ulster's Sportsound Extra Time.

France scored five tries in their victory over the Italians and Ireland four in their success at the Aviva Stadium to get their campaigns underway with bonus-point wins but O'Sullivan believes both sides have room for improvement.

«Ireland know they have to improve going to Paris and the French have admitted they have to improve as well,» observed O'Sullivan.

«France know if they are below par against Ireland, Ireland will beat them and Ireland know if they are below par France will beat them.

»We go to France in great fettle but knowing that there is work to be done. It's an intriguing match-up and depends on which team improves the most.

«Ireland looked more than 22 points better than Wales and although I wouldn't say that it was the complete performance there was still a lot to admire.

»The accuracy of our attack meant we basically tore the Welsh defence apart at times and they looked all at sea.

«We knew going into the game we were the better team so it was a question of delivering while being the favourites at home and you can say without a shadow of doubt that we did that.

»The weather was a