France's inauspicious start to 2003, beaten into third place by Ireland at Lansdowne Road in the Six Nations, was redeemed by their World Cup performances.

Les Bleus trounced Scotland and Ireland before being outfought by mighty England in the semi-finals, albeit in conditions unsuited to their attacking style.

The draw for this year's Six Nations is well in their favour, giving them home advantage against Ireland in the opener and England in the likely decider.

With both teams affected by injuries and retirements in key positions, the French are well in contention for the Grand Slam in 2004.

Much will depend on whether France's volatile pack can keep its discipline, and avoid the expensive technical infringements which teams like England capitalise on so ruthlessly.

The most notoriously-unpredictable team in world rugby, France are equally capable of producing scintillating displays of attacking panache and ugly bouts of brutal petulance.

Whichever side they show, they are guaranteed to confound, entertain, amuse and brawl in equal measure - especially when there is an English scalp to be had (and at the moment, England's is the biggest in the game).

The most potent threat must come from the back row, where the intimidating trio of Serge Betsen, Imanol Harinordoquy and Olivier Magne terrorise opposition packs.

With the likes of Frederic Michalak (163 points in fewer than 20 caps), Yannick Jauzion and Christophe Dominici waiting in the three-quarters there will be no shortage of points coming the French way.

France are certainly vulnerable if their flow is stifled for long enough, and with good tactics and a strong physical approach either Ireland or England could grind out a win in Paris.

In the past, the most successful method has been to frustrate them into indiscipline and punish their ensuing mistakes - and France show no sign of raising their patience or self-control to the heights that their running game can reach.