O'Driscoll rallies Irish

Victory over Les Bleus would see the Irish land a crucial early blow in the battle for the title. Two years ago they suffered an agonising 20-17 defeat by France at the same venue and O'Driscoll hopes the memory of that day will stand his side in good stead.

"We've done so much talking over the last fortnight. Now is the time to get onto the pitch and do what comes naturally," he said. "It's a great place to be, playing at home in Croke Park in front of 80,000 people."

He added: "You have to seize these moments and to take them with both hands. It's where you want to be as a professional rugby player.

"There is an element of using that defeat by France at Croke Park as a learning curve. There's the realisation that, if you find yourself in a similar situation, you can change the fortune a little."

Ireland find themselves in the rare position of starting as favourites against Les Bleus, a team they have not beaten for six years.

A typically leftfield team selection by France coach Marc Lievremont has improved their hopes of generating some crucial early momentum and expectations have risen accordingly.

But Declan Kidney, overseeing his first Six Nations, strikes a more cautious note against Ireland's championship nemesis.

"You have to look forward to taking on France like all these big nations. You just want to challenge yourself against the best," said the head coach.

"On whether it's the ideal time to play France, I don't think there is ever an ideal time to play them. They are strong the whole way through."