Ireland skipper Brian O'Driscoll hopes to banish the memory of past defeats by enjoying a victory over France in the Six Nations opener at Croke Park.

"We have beaten France three times in the professional era - that says it all," said the Irish captain.

"We're playing one of the best teams in the world and have to be at our best.

"Our last couple of matches have been tight, we let them off the hook at Croke Park and Stade de France, so hopefully we can edge them this time."

Ireland have lost their last seven Tests against France including defeats in the last two World Cups, their last win coming in the 2003 Six Nations in Dublin.

Paddy Wallace is nice player to play beside, a creative player, and hopefully we can link up well Brian O'Driscoll

"They have snatched victory away from us over the last couple of years and we have learned from that," O'Driscoll noted.

"They were hard lessons to take at the time but we can benefit from the experience of the disappointments we suffered there and put it right this time.

"The French know how to play the game very well if they're allowed to so it's our job to stop them from doing that from early on."

O'Driscoll says he is looking forward to playing with midfield partner Paddy Wallace.

"Paddy has been playing well this year and has been picked on form.

"He is nice player to play beside, a creative player, and hopefully we can link up well and forge a good partnership."

Coach Declan Kidney explained his rationale for playing Wallace in a potentially exciting backline.

"Paddy has worked with Brian before, right from Under-19 level, and if it is a combination that makes people think, that's good.

"I have a lot of faith in Paddy and I'm looking forward to see him play on Saturday.

"He has been playing well at 12, Brian has been doing well at 13 and Rob (Kearney) and Luke (Fitzgerald) have performed well in their positions so it seemed a natural fit to me to let them combine.

"We need to be playing the best rugby we can on the day and play until the final whistle - that's what we aim to do on Saturday," added Kidney.

Ulster flanker Stephen Ferris, who will make his Six Nations debut, says he is expecting "an intense game".

"The French always put up a good fight but we have had a good week's training, everyone is really confident and there is a good spirit in the camp so we are really looking forward to the challenge."

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