France in 'pole position' but Ireland must keep pressure on, says Farrell

France are in "pole position" to win the Guinness Six Nations but Ireland boss Andy Farrell is determined to make them earn the title.

Following two wins from their opening two games, France moved clear of Ireland, who took a losing bonus point from the Stade de France on Saturday evening to add to a big victory over Wales in round one.

With two weeks until the next round - where Ireland host Italy and France face Scotland away - Farrell will set about plans to take maximum points from their remaining fixtures.

"History shows that you've got to be ready in the Six Nations," he said.

"You've got to make sure that your own house is in order in regards to your next game and you look at the competition with Wales winning against Scotland, England losing their first game.

"And obviously they'll be determined to get back on the horse [against Italy in a game England won 33-0].

"Yes, France are in pole position, they've had two home games and they got a win today but at the same time we move into our next game and try our best to be at our best and take each game from there.

"I'm sure that if we continue to show the fight and character that we have done here, which was an unbelievable Test match, I'm sure we'll be in the mix towards the end of it."

Ireland players admitted that indiscipline (10 penalties conceded) and some poor exiting didn't help their cause in Saint Denis but as well as Joey Carbery's performance, in the absence of Johnny Sexton, and Dan Sheehan's 55-minute stint off the bench, the whole experience of facing a powerful outfit in hostile territory will stand to the side.

"It's certainly [important in the long run] for the group because we will show them during the week the reason why they are such a courageous side,"