France have no fear over playing Ireland according to Philippe Saint-André despite a poor recent record.

Pool D will come down to the clash in Cardiff on Sunday, with the winners claiming top spot in the pool and the losers set to face New Zealand and a more challenging route through the knock-out stages.

During Saint-André’s four years in charge, France have not yet beaten Ireland, drawing twice before losing their last two fixtures.

In February they went down 18-11 in Dublin, but Saint-André is bullish about his team’s prospects this weekend.

Ireland beat France 18-11 in Dublin. Photo: Getty Images

“The players have been thinking about this game against Ireland for a long time, but they’ve been able to do the job before that,” Saint-André told reporters.

“We’re serious at the top level. But I don’t have to speak about anything else. I control what I can. We’re good together. This is the moment of truth but we’re not afraid of Ireland.

“It’s a different team. Physically we’re twice as good as we were. Our kickers are now converting 100 percent because of the work they’re putting in. When you have time to work and the players are competitors. We’re not more stupid than anyone else.”

France have won all three of their games so far, kicking off with a comfortable win over Italy, before bonus-point successes against Romania and Canada.

However they have to beat Ireland to top the pool, with Joe Schmidt’s side just ahead of them on points difference, having also managed 14 points from a possible 15 so far.

“I’ve got a squad that’s ready. They have been preparing since July 5. You sense the squad is sure of their strength. The players don’t panic,” added Saint-André.

“It will be good to play Ireland to see where we stand. But we are going to start games at another level. We’re going to focus on putting some pace into the first two phases. We have to control what we can control.”