Andy Farrell admits that next Saturday in Paris will be 'test of all tests' - and will show how far this Ireland side has come under his guidance in the space of almost 18 months.
Played out in a swirling wind and with handling treacherous at times, a victorious Six Nations opener against Wales had plenty of positive moments as Ireland continued from where they left off in November.
Farrell and his players knew that the visitors were vulnerable, with so many experienced frontliners injured, and they did the right thing by not giving Wayne Pivac's side a sniff of hope at the Aviva Stadium.
But it will be a much, much tougher contest in the Stade de France.
Farrell's only visit there as Ireland boss was at the end of October 2020, when a slim Six Nations title chance was alive, but the visitors never got out of second gear.
"The great test for this group is we've learned a lot of lessons about ourselves in Paris on that night," confessed Farrell.
"It was a big game when we could have got across the line for the Six Nations and we didn't deliver on the big stage.
"I feel the group has grown since then. I suppose the proof will be in the pudding."
Robbie Henshaw and Iain Henderson are back in the selection mix for Paris.
The experienced pair lost out due to fitness issues before the 29-7 victory in the opener.
France dismissed Italy in Paris yesterday and the scene is set for a crucial showdown at the Stade de France, with Les Bleus and Ireland eyeing a potential Grand Slam.
"We know difficult it is to go to Paris," said Farrell. "There's no doubt about it, it's the test of all tests at this moment in time.
"Everyone knows how well they're playing."
The Ireland boss, who has guided his side to nine straight victories since last year's loss to France in Dublin, must figure out how Henshaw and Henderson fit into the equation.
Bundee Aki and Garry Ringrose were excellent again as the centre partnership, while James Ryan and Tadhg Beirne were hugely effective.
Both Henshaw - Ireland's player of the year in 2021 - and Henderson may have to be content with a place on the bench.
"It's going to take a whole squad over the course of the Six Nations to win this competition," added Farrell.
"It's very tough and demanding, not just because of the nature of the games but the length of the competition as well.
"Competition for places is always going to be taxing on the players so the conversations are always difficult.
"It doesn't really matter if it's a British and Irish Lion or a guy that's done it with his first cap, they're always difficult."
Andrew Conway, who scored a brace of second half tries, actually felt ill during the game but Farrell said he will be OK for Paris.
Meanwhile, Jamison Gibson-Park believes Ireland can face the title favourites with confidence on the back of their bonus point win.
"Yeah, 100%," said the scrum-half. "Our attack is something we've obviously worked on and it was OK on Saturday, I suppose,"
"It wasn't at the standard we were hoping for but it was tricky conditions out there and to come away with that kind of result in the first game, albeit it was pretty patchy, we're happy and looking forward to France.
"It got a bit scrappy and there will be things for us to work on, for sure.
"There'll be plenty of learnings we can take from that so that's a good thing, coming into Monday and we'll have plenty to work on no doubt.
"So we'll fix a few things and be hungry for next weekend.
"Those moments in the dressing-room are what we work so hard for, so we'll enjoy the win as well.
"It's enjoyable in the hour that follows the result, regardless of the performance it was a great occasion.
"But we'll flip the switch pretty quickly and focus on what we have to do against France."
One of the highlights last Saturday was the performance of debutant Mack Hansen, who has taken to Test rugby like a duck to water.
The white-helmeted winger put his hand up for a role in Paris but it remains to be seen if Farrell will go with a more experienced option for the Grand Slam eliminator.
Gibson-Park is full of praise for the 23-year-old.
"He's been awesome, man. He's been a breath of fresh air to have around the place, to be honest," said the Kiwi of the Aussie.
"He's a bit of a free spirit and goes about his work and if he can keep putting in performances like that it will be great. It's been a transition for him and I can't wait to see more from him, hopefully.
"He may have a bit of a different outlook to most of the boys here, he's not long over from Australia and he's just playing good rugby.
"You can tell by the way he's performing that he's just confident in himself and I think that gets passed on to the other boys as well.
"That's evident in the way he trains, he's always looking to get on the ball so it's great."
