Leo Cullen calls for a more intense Ireland to take on the French

Bordeaux was the squad's base camp four years ago with the Chaban-Delmas stadium hosting two dismal pool matches against Namibia and Georgia. Ireland's confidence did not recover after making such a terrible start to the tournament and they failed to emerge from the group stage. Four years on, they have taken steps to avoid being undercooked once again by arranging a quartet of warm-up internationals.

Today they face the first of two matches against France and Cullen, captain for a second successive week, knows there must be improvements following the 10-6 mauling by Scotland.

"We need to up our intensity for France, we must make them defend," said the Leinster second row. "The team was a little bit quiet against Scotland and I think that's because of the fatigue. When you've got the fatigue in your legs and your body is tired, it feels unusual and mentally you're not as sharp. We're aware of that this week - in the heat of battle we want to be mentally sharp. Defensively we looked very comfortable for most of the game against Scotland."

Ireland have picked a more robust team for the first encounter of their double header against France, opposition they have beaten just once since 2003. The pack contains five players likely to start the World Cup opener against the USA on 11 September, while Paul O'Connell and Jamie Heaslip are on the bench.

France coach Marc Lievremont has named a formidable XV including Thierry Dusautoir and Imanol Harinordoquy.