France v Ireland Holding the lineJohnny Watterson hears from Graham Steadman about learning to defend by the 13-man code

Sport wouldn't be the same without monochrome interpretations and Monday morning quarterbacks. We all have a view of why Ireland performed in a certain way last week. On Tuesday, Paul O'Connell offered an epiphany to a handful of journalists. He said that though he plays in the second row he doesn't really know what goes on in the front row and added it was strange journalists were able to form such strong opinions even though they never played rugby, at least not in the front row.

One opinion O'Connell would not dispute is that of defensive coach Graham Steadman. One of the crossover coaches from rugby league, Steadman came into the Irish set-up when Mike Ford defected to become head coach of Saracens. Ireland saw Steadman's potential with Munster and poached him. In essence he moved departments within the IRFU.

The league influence on Ireland's defence has been huge in recent years, and the culture of breaking down phases of play into units has changed how Ireland perform.

Steadman, like O'Connell, may not know the difference between a bad bind and boring in, but he has been successful at preventing scores going in.

"The defence generally was very good," he says in his bluff north of England accent. "We were a little bit soft in our forward movement and there we are going to be a little bit more aggressive without being too radical this week. There are going to be one or two minor adjustments.

"What we can't afford to do is give the quality of France the time and space we gave the Italians - if you do that, they'll threaten to make easy gains and also punish us on the scoreboard.

"We've got to start off the front foot and not be flatfooted in our first two or three steps forward. If we can do that we can then become dominant. That then allows us to get settled for the next phase. If we can dominate their first phase of football that will stand us in good stead for whatever questions they ask of our defence."

The opening forays are high on Steadman's agenda. Given the French tendency to question themselves when things are not going to plan, Ireland's response to an early blitz could decide the shape of the game.

"Obviously France have been wounded," says Steadman. "They will be looking for a massive response at our expense. We've got to be sure we not only match their start but better it, because the French are known to start very strongly.

"What we've got to do is get to the first quarter of the match and kick on from there. If we give them easy points early doors then they'll feed off it. It comes down to the forwards setting a platform for the backs."

Where league has made a huge impression on Munster and latterly Ireland has been in the systematic reduction of defence into units. The conversion requires discipline among the players and a high level of communication and trust.

"I think what we've got in league that has the edge on union, having worked with several clubs now, is that you break down specific field positions," explains Steadman. "Left-edge defence, midfield and right-edge defence. In union you can break it down into different systems and situations.

"But you have got to put players in a position where they are comfortable to defend. For example our front three have got to be in midfield because if they are out wide and exposed by speed and evasion they feel a little bit vulnerable.

"What you've got to do is trust the man inside you. You find there's a breakdown if there is no communication on the inside because that causes indecision. Communication gives the guy inside insurance - he knows his inside shoulder is being covered. Therefore he can attack what is in front of him.

"Moving from union to league, there is a massive difference in being consistent in communication right across your frontline defence. In league the players are taught that from a very early age. It's about being dominant and getting him to respond. If I'm talking to a player and I'm dominant he will respond. If I'm half-hearted with what I want from him, will he or will he not respond? That's when the opposition start threatening our lines."

So, Tommy Bowe yelling at Brian O'Driscoll is what Steadman is looking for. A greenhorn ordering the captain around the pitch and O'Driscoll unquestioningly reacting. There is a hierarchy to break down and a confidence to build. But as Steadman says, it is a job. In his defence everyone is equal.