'Momentum in the Six Nations is huge' - Caelan Doris calls for a fast start from Ireland

Caelan Doris has stressed the importance of a fast start for Ireland when the Six Nations championship kicks off this Saturday.

Just as they did last year, Ireland face Wales (live on RTÉ2) and France in their opening two matches as they look to build on their impressive Autumn Nations Series last November.

While Ireland are on an eight-game winning streak, they were left to rue a slow start in the 2021 Six Nations when they were beaten by Wales in the opener in Cardiff, with Wayne Pivac's side riding that wave of momentum all the way to the title.

Despite Ireland's good form, France are viewed as the favourites to win a first title since 2010 having also beaten New Zealand in November, while England's defeat of the world champions South Africa has brought them back into the picture following a poor Six Nations last year.

And Doris says the form of northern hemisphere sides shows how fine the margins are between this year's contenders, hammering home the need to make a positive start.

"Momentum in the Six Nations is huge," he said.

"It's obviously a tough start for us (against Wales) but with five or six teams being very competitive, each game is going to be tough, so getting the momentum going early is definitely important.

"It's incredibly competitive. The Six Nations always is, but you could arguably say this year even more so.

"Some great results for northern hemisphere teams over November and I'm sure a lot of teams will be fancying themselves, backing how they are playing.

"So it's exciting for us. We're definitely confident in the players and the management we have here, how we want to play and the understanding that is coming with that.

"So we're looking forward to it all."

Still only 23, the versatile back row forward's