Romain Ntamack admits he's on a mission to halt "role model" Johnny Sexton in his tracks after describing the Irish half-backs as world class.
Ntamack, 21, wasn't a part of the France squad two years ago, when Sexton clinched the last meeting in Paris with his famous drop goal, as he only made his France debut in the 2019 Six Nations.
With both sides chasing the Six Nations title tomorrow, the young out-half is determined to shut down Sexton's influence on the game.
"He is a role model for me and, I believe, for lots of players," said Ntamack.
"He is world class and, maybe, the best fly-half of the past decade. He proves that every weekend either for his province or his country. He is tireless and has enormous experience. He may be a role model for me but this weekend it is imperative I do not allow him the freedom to do what he does best.
"Above all, I can't stand by watching him and allowing him to play, because if I do things will become very difficult for us."
Against Italy, Sexton and Conor Murray brought their half-back Test partnership to 60 games.
And Andy Farrell needs the duo to hit the heights as Ireland chase the unlikely bonus point victory that they need.
"We know them very well," said Toulouse star Ntamack. "They are Ireland's key players, clearly we must pay close attention to them.
"We have focussed on them since the beginning of the week. We know all too well that the whole of Ireland's game plan is orchestrated by them and we have to be extremely vigilant.
"Of course Ireland have good players littered throughout their side but we have to pay extra close attention to those two and, above all, put pressure on them from the start."
Vincent Rattez, who switches from the left to the right wing to accommodate Gael Fickou's switch from centre to the left wing, is also clear on where the "world class" danger will come from for Les Bleus.
"I do not recall how many caps they have together but it must be one of the half-back combos that has appeared on the starting sheet the most," said Rattez. "That merits respect alone.
"However we have nothing to be jealous about because we have 'Toto' (Antoine Dupont) and Romain.
"We should not underestimate our half-backs when comparing them to the Irish pair even if have a lot of respect for Sexton and Murray. I believe we also have our potent weapons."
