France, Feb. 5 -- This year's championship has been compressed to six weeks, removing one of the usual two rest periods - a move that squads without depth will feel keenly.

Tonight's match in Saint-Denis sets the early tone, withFrance and Ireland sharing four of the last five titles between them.

For Ireland, expectations are unusually low. They finished third last season and looked decidedly ordinary in autumn defeats to New Zealand and South Africa. The Springboks, in particular, exposed weaknesses up front that won't have gone unnoticed by other coaches.

Injuries compound the problem. Tadhg Furlong remains doubtful with a calf issue, while Ryan Baird, Hugo Keenan, Mack Hansen and Robbie Henshaw are all out. Bundee Aki begins a four...