Zinedine Zidane has called on a new generation of French players to draw from the lessons of 2005 and survive an onslaught in Dublin tomorrow night.

The legendary World Cup winner came out of his first international retirement to negotiate Raymond Domenech's side through the 2006 qualifying campaign. A particular highlight of that campaign was the clash against the Republic of Ireland at Lansdowne Road that resulted in a crucial three points for Les Bleus courtesy of a Thierry Henry second half wonder-strike.

Zidane expects his successors to qualify for next summer's World Cup finals in South Africa provided they can cope with Irish aggression in tomorrow's play-off first leg at Croke Park.

“A huge physical challenge which had to be met at all costs,” said Zidane as he reflected on his visit to these shores four years ago to battle with an Irish team managed by Brian Kerr and skippered by Roy Keane. “We couldn't do it otherwise”, he said.

“But technically the French players were superior and I think it's the same this time,” he added.

The second leg is in Paris on Wednesday.