'L'Equipe' writer Julien Schramm says France will have one eye on Australia today

People often talk about "French flair", but in France, rugby is firstly about combat. Times have changed, and coach Bernard Laporte has given the French team consistency, discipline, and, last year, a clinical game. French flair comes from winning the ball, and that's why France have always had strong forwards for whom the scrum is the keystone.

However, without Fabien Galthie, Pieter De Villiers and Tony Marsh, France are weaker, and that's why the context for this game is now very different - a better Irish side against a younger French team (for lot of people in France, Ireland are the favourites) with a point to prove.

France have come to win and to build confidence after two not very convincing games in England and against Scotland.

For Laporte and the French squad, it's time to deliver a big performance for the "last hurdle", as the coach said this week, in the competition. And for a few young players to prove they can travel to the World Cup in Australia next November.

This applies to Dimitri Yachvili, who has the responsibility of replacing Galthie at scrumhalf. Galthie is the link between Laporte and the team, the link between the field and the strategy.

He is a thinker, a historic leader whose absence won't be easy to deal with. But his absence gives us a chance to see Yachvili perform at a high level.

"I will ask him to be the boss in Lansdowne Road," said Laporte. This is because France are looking for a second number nine. And more.

France still can't decide between Francois Gelez and Gerald Merceron at outhalf.

Gelez is a fantastic kicker, but Laporte has asked him to produce more in the game and to improve his speed.

Merceron is a good defender, a courageous player, but his goal-kicking has been poor in recent months. France desperately need the ideal combination to go to Australia.

Frederic Michalak was a possible choice last year as srcumhalf, but Laporte has changed his view. That he played with France A in Belfast at outhalf and as a kicker proves a new opportunity has presented itself. Michalak number 10? An interesting indication is that the French staff have asked Damien Traille, at centre, to practise his goal-kicking.

It is now time for Yachvili to show that he has the capacity to lead the French team.

Yachvili's role will be difficult, as he will play behind the number eight, Imanol Harinordoquy, only 23. And, with François Gelez (24), he will form a very young half-back partnership.

Yachvili-Gelez represents the 14th partnership of the Laporte era, and the youngest.

One can be sure Galthie will deliver one last great performance on the world stage next November.

Following behind him, Yachvili, Michalak or another unknown? And to complete the pair, Gelez, Merceron, or Michalak? Laporte is expecting answers in Dublin.