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Based on form and the relative strengths of both squads, Ireland should be confident as they head to Paris for the final Six Nations game of this weekend.
But there is still that nagging feeling that Ireland will somehow contrive to fall short against the French yet again.
We hardly need a reminder that we have not beaten Les Bleus in Paris since that Brian O'Driscoll-inspired triumph in 2000, but we were joined by a man who played in that game.
Our Wednesday Night Rugby regulars Keith Wood and Gerry Thornley looked ahead to Paris and both men feel that Ireland should win if they play to full capacity.
"We can't go into this game with an inferiority complex. But we can't go in with a superiority complex," said Keith.
"We've to go in and kick them up and down the field for 80 minutes and make certain we have a win at the end of it and not let them get a sniff. You don't let them get in the game or let them run at pace, you make certain that you tackle and you tire them out quickly because you want them doubting themselves. The whole of the French public is against them. If they get it behind them, anything can happen. You want the French crowd booing them, which I've been fortunate to hear."
Gerry also gave his take on how this "poor French side" might line up against Ireland. He expects Dimitri Szarzewski to return at hooker and for other potential changes in the front row, while Louis Picamoles may be recalled.
He also feels fly-half Jules Plisson is not ready for test match rugby at this stage which could see him miss out on a starting place. But Gerry did highlight the "brilliant back three" especially when they are playing off instinct.
And even though Gerry believes Ireland are a better coached team, he had a warning for Ireland.
"If they have a sniff or one score from glory, very like the All Blacks, they are the team most capable of producing a try from the end of the earth when they just throw caution to the wind," said Gerry.
