Six Nations: Ireland v France - All you need to know

After last week's tough opener in Cardiff, things don't get any easier for Ireland.

The 31-5 defeat to Wales came like a splash of water in the face for those who thought Ireland could quickly bridge the gap to the top tier of the women's game.

The nature of how the Irish forwards were knocked backwards repeatedly in the opening half was worrying, particularly with tougher assignments ahead in France and England, starting with the visit of the French to Cork on Saturday.

The world's number three side appear to be in a transitional phase after the World Cup, with a spate of retirements including last year's Player of the Six Nations Laure Sansus.

Gaëlle Mignot and David Ortiz's side started their campaign with a less than impressive 22-10 win against Italy, which took them until the final five minutes to put to bed, Caroline Boujard's converted try ultimately seeing them into a two-score win.

They're still overwhelming favourites to get the job done against Ireland however, whose target of a top-three finish in this year's championship already looks to have been adventurous, particularly with the loss of arguably their most influential back Enya Breen, whose tournament has been ended due to a knee injury.

Having brought the team around the country for their home games last season, the IRFU have settled on Musgrave Park as their home for both games this season, with Ireland having comfortably beaten Italy when they last played in Cork 12 months ago.

TV

Ireland v France is live on Virgin Media 1, with kick-off at 3.15pm.

RADIO

Listen to live commentary from Musgrave Park on Saturday Sport on RTÉ Radio 1.

ONLINE

You can follow live updates on rte.ie/sport and the RTÉ News App along with report and reaction from Cork.

WEATHER

It