Has an ageing squad been exposed by Les Bleus, or was Saturday's French thrashing merely a blip for the venerated green machine?
Ireland have confirmed that Tadhg Furlong, Garry Ringrose and Mack Hansen are set to return for their final match of the Guinness Six Nations against Italy in Rome on Saturday.
Shorn of their greatest talent, Les Bleus eviscerated their fancied hosts with a blend of power and panache, raising questions about Ireland's progression.
France propelled themselves into pole position for championship success with a crushing 42-27 victory in Dublin.
Les Bleus win comfortably despite their captain limping off injured in the first half.
The winner of Saturday’s clash in Dublin could go a long way to determining who will finish top of the Six Nations standings.
Long-serving trio Peter O’Mahony, Cian Healy and Conor Murray will make final Test appearances in Dublin on Saturday afternoon before finishing their illustrious international careers at the end of the tournament.
Les Bleus travel to Dublin seeking to snatch top spot in the Six Nations table.