There are no immediate injury worries and there is also the prospect of a possible return for Paul O'Connell for the match against Scotland in Croke Park in two weeks time.

However, Jerry Flannery is a doubt despite having his ban reduced. The Munster hooker is carrying a fracture sustained playing for his province against Wasps in the Heineken Cup.

Ireland's defensive frailties were exposed yesterday at the Stade de France by the pace and flair of the French back three, and Vincent Clerc in particular.

The Toulouse winger pounced for three tries in the first half and later picked up the man-of-the-match award. He now has five tries in two games so far in the championship.

Full-back Cedric Heymans touched down for a fourth try before Marc Lievremont started to empty his bench and the visitors started to come back.

They were awarded a penalty try against the weakened French scrum after 60 minutes and when David Wallace stretched over the line less than five minutes later it sparked real hope among the Irish fans and players.

Ronan O'Gara missed the conversion but nailed a penalty in injury time to close the gap to five points.

Ireland finished the game attacking the French line but lacked the penetration to win the match.