Will a nation's expectations undo France?

France v Ireland:In trying to contextualise the importance of tonight's game against Ireland, it's instructive to note an interview in the L'Equipe newspaper with Bernard Lapasset, the president of the FFR, French rugby's governing body.

When he was asked whether this World Cup Pool D clash was the most important ever in the history of the sport in the country, Lapasset's response offers a glaring indication of the pressure the national team is under to succeed in Saint Denis.

He admitted: "In history? I don't know. There were some great moments written by previous generations, like the first victory over England in 1951. But it is definitely the most important game of the professional era for French rugby."

Lapasset has spoken with the players and told them they were given every assistance in preparing for the tournament, everything required to ensure a good World Cup.

But the one thing he could not lift is that which they must carry on their shoulders; the weight of expectation that goes with the jersey. "It's their World Cup, their adventure, their life, their job. It's their passion, their dreams. Free yourselves, free this game," he exhorted his players.

As a call to arms, it's got to be considered above average but it merely reinforces the almost claustrophobic pressure foisted on the team by an expectant nation. Failure is not an option as Lapasset goes on to reinforce.

"Nothing other than a victory will do. It's the only way that we can ensure going on in the tournament. But it's a victory with a bonus point that we need. The mood of the people depends on the performance of the players. They have a chance to write their page in history. They can't even consider defeat."

During the week at their training camp, Marcoussis, the players have tried not to be distracted by the expectation, particularly in the eyes of pundits, French journalists and the public that they face an Ireland team struggling to rediscover form.

They're prepared to warn anyone that will listen that they are not taking Ireland lightly, that they possess a huge respect for tonight's opposition and that they fear the wounded animal. It's almost as if they're trying to convince themselves that Ireland can still represent a danger.

But interspersed there is also a realisation that they have beaten this opposition five times in succession, a run of victories most of which have been comprehensive. It's one thing to try and remain pragmatic but after their performance against Namibia and the manner of the victory in particular one suspects they have rediscovered the brio, prevalent when they are at their most dangerous.

Watch them during the Marseillaise, the body language, the eyes, because that's exactly what Argentine captain Agustin Pichot did and drew huge confidence. He saw an opposition that looked nervous and drawn, shackled by expectation.

To a man the French players are adamant this will not be repeated, that they will not allow themselves to be undermined at their own hands. They key, and they know it, is to make a fast start, involve the crowd and find a rhythm. The longer that doesn't pass then those nightmares that they have locked away after the opening match, might invade conscious thought.

Saying that lessons have been absorbed is one thing, as is a determination to learn and not repeat history but the opening throes of tonight's contest is the only proving ground that matters. The French dare not lose but they must also dare to win and therein lies their vulnerability.

A nation expects, as Nicolas Sarkozy told them in their own dressingroom following the Argentina game, the queue to reinforce that message stretching from Saint Denis to Nice. Will it inhibit or inspire?