Andy Farrell hailed Ireland's ruthlessness after their Guinness Six Nations title defence was launched with a record-breaking five-try demolition of 14-man France.
Ireland ruthlessly exposed the absence of Antonie Dupont to launch their Guinness Six Nations title defence with a stunning 38-17 bonus-point demolition of 14-man France.
New Ireland skipper Peter O'Mahony has dismissed suggestions Friday's "colossal" Guinness Six Nations curtain-raiser against France will be an early title decider.
Maxime Lucu will start at No.9 for France in their opening Six Nations match against Ireland on Friday.
World Cup disappointment has not diminished belief among Ireland's squad ahead of their Guinness Six Nations title defence, according to scrum coach John Fogarty.
Bloemfontein has been confirmed as the venue when the Springboks face World Cup surprise package Portugal in the historic first Test between the nations on Saturday, 20 July.