RUGBY European Cup/Pool Two Leinster v Gloucester: French backs as the aristocrats of European rugby is an image that has endured for many a decade but in more recent times it is a mantle disputed by the nouveaux riches of Leinster.
Sacré Bleus, as the Irish province's supporters were given to chant on more than one occasion in the Heineken European Cup last season; a kind of Franglais but the affection is obvious.
An integral member of Leinster's back line, Shane Horgan rails against the suggestion they have cornered the market on enterprise and now offer a benchmark to which others would aspire. On Saturday at Lansdowne Road an unbeaten Gloucester travel boasting a back line likely to contain several outstanding young prospects.
Horgan knows the visitors won't be cowed; if anything they'll relish the challenge.
"We've watched a lot of their videos thanks to the good people at Sky Sports," he says. "Their coverage over there is huge and so we've been watching them as an integral part of the preparation.
"We are as aware of them (Gloucester) as we can be. Some of their players haven't been around for that long playing at a high level, but after making a breakthrough last season they have followed it up. Being young can bring its own benefits and we have seen it within our own squad with some of our young players performing so well.
"The lack of inhibition, the willingness to express themselves and take chances that some of us older horses wouldn't - from that point of view they are an excellent side with an excellent back line, and it's enjoyable to play against a side like that. I'm really looking forward to it.
"They (Gloucester) do have the ability to play both ways but I don't think that's purely based on who they pick at 10. Their forward pack can try and dominate you but there will be a few backs screaming for a bit of ball out wide. Their videos show they are well capable of moving ball and they have some exciting young players in their back line.
"There are very few teams at this level that are one-dimensional or incapable of adapting to the demands imposed by another team. Any team that you play, especially in the Heineken Cup, you have got to be prepared for them to think outside the box and not tick the criteria that you have set down for them."
Horgan is comfortable with the added pressure on Leinster to succeed in this year's tournament.
"Expectation levels were very low last year whereas they're probably raised a little this season. I think that the work we've done in pre-season and the structural changes we have made in Leinster can only leave us in better shape.
"The fact that Michael (Cheika) has been here for a year and knows us, brought in people that he wants and done things completely his way as opposed to inheriting what was there - I think that can only be of benefit to us. The fact that everyone is getting better means we have to step up another level. This competition moves on so as a team we have to develop."
The Ireland wing maintains the Gloucester backs won't be preoccupied on Saturday with the idea their Leinster counterparts represent a barometer of excellence.
"No I don't think so, no more than we measure ourselves against other teams. If you're measuring yourself against someone else you can only reach that level or probably below it. So they'll be setting their own bar and their own standards as we do."
The genuine enthusiasm for this match is evident as Horgan relishes another big occasion in a blue jersey.
He rubbishes the suggestion that Leinster supporters are a fickle bunch, citing the increasing numbers that have followed the team's progress in Europe in recent seasons. He offered the recent Munster match to support his view.
"It was brilliant. Anyone who has been around Leinster for a while knows that we have a loyal base following. Against Munster it was particularly evident. The players do appreciate it and it does make a difference. They completely drowned out any Munster fans and it was refreshing to play in that environment."
