Just one see-saw match into their 2011 Six Nations campaign, and already the pressure on Declan Kidney's squad is intense. Reeling from a heart-breaking last-gasp defeat by Wales on Sunday - their first opening loss at the Six Nations for eight seasons - Ireland could fall further into a dark well of unwanted records.
For starters, they have never lost their two opening Six Nations matches: the last time they suffered defeat in their opening two Tests was in the old days of the Five Nations, in 1998, when they lost all four fixtures. Secondly, Ireland have not lost back-to-back Six Nation Tests since back in 2005 (coincidentally, they were also against France and Wales).
Kidney will hope and pray that this backs-to-the-wall position will inspire a fighting display, but they remain without their injured talismanic lynch pin Brian O'Driscoll. Munster back Keith Earls is now available to take his place, and the weight of expectation will sit heavy on his shoulders.
Ireland's last victory over Les Bleus came in 2009, when a 30-21 win in Dublin was the starting point for their Grand Slam triumph. But the history books are not kind away from home: Ireland have only won once in Paris in 40 years. They've also lost their past four matches against the French, including two friendlies in August which remain fresh in the memory.
And what of the present France outfit?
They looked as tasty as a hot croissant when giving new boss Philippe Saint-Andre the perfect start last weekend, easily avenging last year's humbling Six Nations defeat by cruising to a 30-12 victory over Italy.
France can blow hot and cold, as the entirety of World Cup tournament testified, but with a new man in charge - and the players' tumultuous relationship with Marc Lievremont a distant memory - the verve, power, and potential of Les Bleus looks daunting. Young talent such as Wesley Fofana, who scored a try on his debut against Italy, is also helping bolster a squad packed with experience and power.
Of 89 Tests between them, France have won 55 to Ireland's 29. The last draw was in 1985. The French have truly dominated of late, winning 11 of their past 12 encounters. Ireland have only won once in Paris in 40 years.
TEAM LINE-UPS
FRANCE : 15- Medard, 14- Clerc, 13- Rougerie, 12- Fofana, 11- Malzieu, 10- Trinh-Duc, 9- Parra; 1- Poux, 2- Szarzewski, 3- Mas, 4- Pape, 5- Maestri, 6- Dusautoir, 7- Hardinorquy, 8- Picamoles.
Replacements: 16- Servat, 17- Debaty, 18- Nallet, 19- Bonnaire, 20- Dupuy, 21- Beauxis, 22- Mermoz.
IRELAND : 15- Kearney, 14- Bowe, 13- Earls, 12- D'Arcy, 11- Trimble, 10- Sexton, 9- Murray; 1- Healy, 2- Best, 3- Ross, 4- O'Callaghan, 5- O'Connell, 6- Ferris, 7- O'Brien, 8- Heaslip.
Replacements: 16- Cronin, 17- Court, 18- Ryan, 19- O'Mahony, 20- Reddan, 21- O'Gara, 22- McFadden.
MATCH OFFICIALS
Referee : Dave Pearson (ENG)
Touch judges : Wayne Barnes & Andrew Small (both ENG)
TV : Geoff Warren (ENG)
