'Plenty more' in tank, says Ireland boss Andy Farrell

Andy Farrell is confident that his Ireland side can get even better following a thrilling win over France.

The team will do their best to dampen down the inevitable hype that will be their companion for the next month but that, in itself, won't be easy.

A trip to Rome comes next and it’s a venue that Ireland have only tasted one defeat since the inception of the Six Nations.

After that, a Scotland team, two from two, will provide a stern test, whatever the result from their tie against France in Paris on Saturday week.

"There’s plenty more," said Farrell when asked about his team’s potential in the aftermath of his first win over France as Ireland head coach.

"I couldn’t put a percentage on that. Being clinical is something that we’ve done in patches. Being consistent with that is a work-on, obviously."

Ireland were defending their world number one spot and a 12-game winning run at home. The pressure is all part of life at the top table, according to Farrell.

"Well, there’s all sorts that’s been thrown into the pot, that makes the pot look special," said the 47-year-old.

"Us going for 13 on the bounce here is a record which somebody else will have to try and beat, and hopefully we can continue for that to carry on.

"How they are unbeaten? The three lads [Andrew Porter, James Ryan, Dave Kilcoyne], on their 50th cap, but more than anything it’s about the 'W’ isn’t it?

"It’s about the win, and that’s all it’s about, five points and 10 after two rounds is a great place to be but, again, it’s a win that we’ve ticked off now and we have to move on to the next one."

Such is the standard they have established, beating Italy, however much Kieran Crowley’s have improved, will be seen as a very accomplishable goal.

Surely an unthinkable defeat