Thierry Dusautoir braced for first "real test"

France captain Thierry Dusautoir has said that tomorrow's Six Nations clash with Ireland is Les Bleus' first "real test" of the competition.

The French have dispatched of Scotland and Italy in the competition and take on Ireland in the only game this weekend after the original fixture was postponed due to freezing conditions.

"This is our first real test when you see the level of Ireland at the moment," said Dusautoir, 30.

"You run on to the pitch knowing you are going to play a really good team.

"We have had to prepare for this match twice and we have been able to witness their approaches to the ruck and tackling."

Ireland have won one and lost one in this year's Six Nations, triumphing over Italy and just getting edged out by Wales.