Farrell awaits 'test of tests' with France

Ireland head coach Andy Farrell was happy with his team's "good start" in their one-sided 29-7 win over Wales but admits they face "the test of all tests" in their next Six Nations clash with France.

The Irish will go to Paris on Saturday in high spirits bidding for a 10th successive Test victory and with a clean bill of health across the squad, according to Farrell.

Indeed Farrell will have a welcome selection headache as British & Irish Lions' duo Robbie Henshaw and Iain Henderson are fit after missing the Wales match.

Farrell, speaking before France opened with a 37-10 victory over Italy on Sunday, knows an away game in Paris against a vibrant French outfit is a vastly different prospect than beating an out of sorts Welsh side in front of a sold out Lansdowne Road crowd.

"It certainly is a tough place to go because it's the next game and we know how difficult it is to go to Paris anyway," said Farrell.

"We are lucky I suppose, to be on a winning run. There is no doubt about it, it is the test of all tests isn't it, at this moment in time?"

Farrell, praised for the expansive game the Irish play, largely due to taking the tough decision to select Jamison Gibson-Park at scrum-half ahead of long-time first choice Conor Murray, said getting a win on the board against the champions sets them up nicely for Paris.

"You are always hungry to get off to a good start and we have managed to do that," he said.

"Everyone knows how well they (France) are playing."

'Funny old game'

Farrell and talismanic captain Johnny Sexton have experienced ups and downs in Paris in the past.

Farrell was assistant coach to predecessor Joe Schmidt when Sexton's drop goal with the final kick of the game secured the Irish a famous win in 2018.

They went on to