A return to basics is clearly the way forward

The inclusion of Eoin Reddan will introduce more of a running threat at scrumhalf, while Jerry Flannery will provide a combative presence in open play. I have to take my hat off to the management in terms of making some tough decisions, particularly in the context of Denis Hickie's omission He's been a fine servant to Ireland and having decided to end his playing career when this tournament finishes, it can't have been an easy decision to leave him out. As I have said previously, I would have been in favour of including Geordan Murphy because of the skills set he guarantees. It was disappointing and largely unnecessary the manner in which his exclusion was handled.

He's had some great years with Leicester, excelled in some tough competitions, and is a player of genuine quality.

The reasons behind the decision to omit him from the match panel should have been kept in-house. It's been counterproductive to have done otherwise. Genuinely good players don't develop a mental block when faced with certain teams; individual opponents maybe, but even that can be transformed into a motivational tool. Murphy would have relished the opportunity to redress a couple of substandard displays against France.

The situation could have been turned into a positive but instead it's been left hovering like a cloud over the team. Andrew Trimble will bring physicality - and that's a key term in describing France's game plan tonight. They'll look to be as physically abrasive as possible up front, manifest in the decision to select Sebastien Chabal, who they'll look to in terms of a ball carrier before replacing him probably on the hour. This is where they'll target Ireland.

The evidence is there from the two opening games of the tournament in which Ireland have been involved: carry ball aggressively and retain it, ensuring front foot possession and Ireland will struggle. French coach Bernard Laporte has rectified a selection error from the opening game in plumping for his two best halfbacks, Jean Baptiste Elissalde and Freddie Michalak, who vary the points of attack. However, it's important to remember that France are under massive pressure. Lose and they are out of the tournament, while Ireland will still possess a lifeline no matter how meagre.

Ireland must use this to their advantage. Argentina demonstrated how effective it can be in stifling French flair and eventually reducing the tournament hosts to an uptight, error-strewn mess. The Argentinian tactics were simple: put the ball in the air, test the back three, play for territory, tackle aggressively and turn the French pack around, denying them momentum.

It prevented France from generating a rhythm in possession for large periods of the game. The clock is Ireland's friend. The longer they are competitive on the scoreboard the greater the pressure on the home side and the more France will veer towards adopting high risk or desperate measures.

The French back three are excellent counter-attackers but they're not the best kicking unit as even Cedric Heyman's left boot can be a bit erratic. Ireland need to put the ball in the air, chase it aggressively; wanting to retrieve it rather than hoping to and look to squeeze the French territorially.

It's about being composed and precise and rediscovering a passion for the battle, something that's been conspicuously absent.

Ireland's line speed defensively has to be increased substantially. If you give the French backs time and space they'll destroy you but if you get in their faces they're as prone to error as any team in those circumstances.

I'd like to see Ireland set some close targets, look to get at the nine and 10 channel because the French halfbacks are not the biggest players. It would facilitate burying Serge Betsen and co at the bottom of rucks and then you can look to exploit the obvious Irish midfield creativity.

It's a massive test for the Ireland forwards because they have to confront the French aggressively in every facet of the game. At the lineout they should be looking to close the gap, get men in the air and put pressure on Raphael Ibanez when circumstances allow.

In the scrum, it's about being disruptive and in the contact area, about winning the physical collisions. Turnovers can make or break this Ireland team. In essence Ireland need to employ passion, brains, brawn and skill, core ingredients in some of their best performances.

They need to start quickly, settle down and play within the parameters of an intelligent game plan. On the evidence of the tournament so far, France should run out convincing winners. How does this Ireland team want to be remembered? That's the starting point for tonight's performance.