Irish fighting spirit can keep them in Six Nations title race - Farrell

Ireland head coach Andy Farrell says that if his side shows the same 'fight and character' they displayed in the 30-24 loss to France they will be 'in the mix' for the Six Nations title come the final day of the tournament on 19 March.

The Irish had looked out for the count when they went 22-7 down early in the second-half but two quickfire converted tries put them back in the match.

Although they fell just short - ending their nine-match Test winning run - Farrell took heart from the performance.

"History shows you that you've got to be ready in the Six Nations," he told Irish media after Saturday's loss.

"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 today against Scotland, England losing their first game (they went on to beat Italy 33-0 on Sunday) so, yes, France are in pole position.

"They have had two home games 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."

Farrell - whose side host pointless Italy on 27 February - said the match on Saturday in front of a hostile crowd would help the squad build towards the 2023 World Cup, which France are hosting.

"It certainly is an important step for the group because we will show them during the week the reason why they are such a courageous side," said the 46-year-old Englishman.

"Because we have seen many a team that come here to Paris and fall over completely, especially when faced with a scoreline like 22-7.

"That certainly was never going to be the case