JUST over a decade ago, an Englishman stepped on to the Irish sporting stage in unlikely circumstances to take over as coach to an Ireland team. His impact was such that the side he managed emerged from the trough of mediocrity to enliven the national mood, capture the national imagination and, by their deeds, stirred the national spirit.

Just over a week ago, in the wake of recurring defeat for the Ireland rugby team, another Englishman was called to bring his expertise and his enthusiasm to the task of coaching a national side. Time alone will reveal whether or not Brian Ashton can make an impact that will bring to the Irish team the remedial properties that are now an urgent requirement. His labours have, of necessity, been brief as he only took his first session with the team last Monday.

The first test of his impact and his methods will come this afternoon at Lansdowne Road, when Ireland will take the field in their initial match in the International Championship with France as the opponents. If Ireland were to emerge from the dark shadows that have enveloped the team in recent times and the first fruits of Ashton's endeavours end in victory today, then he will surely be on the way to leaving an indelible impact on his players and the Irish supporters - if not quite at this stage on the national consciousness to the extent that his compatriot Jack Charlton achieved.

The Irish supporters will go to Lansdowne Road today very much more in hope than expectation. Indeed, Ireland last defeated France in the five nations series 14 years ago. But even if victory proves beyond the capabilities of this Ireland team, then they are entitled to expect a performance that if not complete enough to win, at least gives indications of vast improvement from the abysmal performance given against Italy a fortnight ago.

Ashton has laid out his philosophy and that is that the simple is more serviceable than the complex. That translated was the necessity for the team to play a game tailored to its strengths. Do fewer things well rather than many things in a mediocre manner. Total rugby by his concept is every player on the team playing to his capacity and the team playing a game suitable to its strengths.

Ireland manager Pat Whelan, in announcing the team last Saturday, said it is time to batten down the hatches." And so indeed it is. The French will test just how secure those hatches are. They scored seven tries against Ireland last season and the less exalted Italians scored four a fortnight ago. That I would suggest presented a case that requires urgent attention.

The French have quality backs, the figure of Emile N'tamack comes into focus, he scored two tries against Ireland last season, but has had fitness problems recently. However, in the wake of two defeats by South Africa in the recent test series, there has been a fairly broad view in France that flair is being sacrificed for what they would classify as the mundane. The concession to that by the coach Jean Claude Skrela has been to call on Pierre Villepreux, a man whose qualities as a backs coach have been recognised by the Italians and indeed, England.

They have turned to the attacking skills of Fabien Galthie at scrum half and Alain Penaud at outside hall, selections influenced, perhaps, by Villepreux.

France also have quality forwards and a back row of Abdel Benazzi, who leads the team, Phillipe Benetton and Fabien Pelous that is a formidable unit which will exploit opportunity. The second row of Hugues Miorin and Olivier Merle does not look to constitute a pairing of intimidating substance, with Merle more renowned for the abrasive nature of his play than its quality.

Ireland's own very modest range of penetration has been very pronounced, one try against Italy and that could scarcely be attributed to creative instincts. The lesson has been taken to heart by the selectors and as Whelan made no attempt to disguise, the team has been selected to do a specific job with the French in mind.

If in the past, winning set piece possession, notably consistently in the line out, has been a problem for Ireland, that has not been the case this season. It has been the failure to use it effectively that has been at the root of the difficulties. Ashton sees great ability in the pack, both in winning the set pieces and with the potential to use the ball away from the set pieces. Let us hope he has devised a strategy that gives substance to that view. Ireland must maul much more effectively and gain quicker ruck ball. They have in Jeremy Davidson a fine line out ball winner, the advent of Paddy Johns to the second row adds mobility to the tight five and the selection of Eric Miller at number eight recognises potential that one hopes comes to fruition this afternoon.

Ireland needs a big match from David Corkery, and the courage and industry of open side flanker Denis McBride should be useful attributes today as well as his ability to get the ball on the ground. Nick Popplewell is another who needs a really good match today. His scrummaging powers do not appear to have diminished but his general contribution, once so very effective, has. Paul Wallace is a solid tight head prop and Keith Wood is a man who can do damage to the French with his pace and vibrant play.

Eric Elwood's return to outside half brings to that key area, a very accomplished place kicker, lots of experience, considerable presence and a player who must read his brief. His partner Niall Hogan, has also got a recall and his experience and durable qualities could be useful. But his passing must be sharp and well directed, something it most certainly was not in Paris last year.

The Irish three quarter line is not one blessed with great pace or attacking potential and so Elwood must adopt tactics accordingly. Perceptive positional kicking and shrewd use of the blind side, especially when the Irish get into attacking positions, are called for. Conor O'Shea made some good advances into the line against Italy, but they came to nothing and his positional play and concentration need to be more acute. The centres Maurice Field and Jonathan Bell, must close down the French and make the tackles pay and wings James Topping and Dominic Crotty, must do likewise and be alert to exploit Elwood's kicking.

Ashton has made several references to Irish fire and passion. They will be needed today and must be allied to concentration for 80 minutes. From the kick off the French must be made aware that they will have to fight for every ball and every inch of ground.

This may not be a French team of vintage quality and they go into the match after two defeats by South Africa. It still looks a side to have greater depth and all round strength than Ireland and one capable of extending that long winning sequence.

But the Ireland players owe it to the jersey, to the supporters and to themselves to make a supreme effort. They will be playing before their own loyal supporters and must respond to the full hearted encouragement they will unquestionably get. That response must come from the kick off.

Certainly Ireland expects every man to do his duty, even if it is not enough to put another entry, into the records of a famous win attained against the improbable.