The doubters were out in force after a humiliating Ireland loss but France can look forward with renewed optimism.
Will the ghosts of Le Crunches past haunt Fabien Galthie's team in transition on a red-hot Saturday night in Lyon?
The collapse of Les Bleus against Ireland has led to much wailing and navel gazing, with the absent Antoine Dupont coming under scrutiny
The injury to the talismanic French captain has distracted France from another absence they’ve experienced: meaningful opposition
A lot has happened since France captain Antoine Dupont fractured his cheekbone against Namibia on Thursday night in Marseille.
The significance of Les Bleus's thunderous victory over England at Twickenham cannot be emphasised enough with a World Cup just months away
Ireland’s emphatic win in Dublin has exposed the Bleus’ deficiencies and opened up insecurities in the host nation
France should win their first Six Nations match in England since 2005 – if they can overcome the fear factor
French rugby is on the crest of a wave and they know they can afford to take an understrength squad to Japan and rest their biggest names
France are aiming to take another step towards Six Nations title success.