'This is a free shot' - Briggs wants players to embrace French challenge

Ireland assistant coach Niamh Briggs says this Saturday's TikTok Six Nations trip to France is a "free shot" for the Irish players.

Greg McWilliams' side will be considerable underdogs for Saturday's game at Stade Ernest Wallon (live on RTÉ2 and RTÉ Player), having lost their home opener against Wales, while France easily dismantled Italy 39-6.

The French look like being England's closest challengers for the title, and a considerable step up from the Welsh, who physically dominated Ireland despite not taking the lead until six minutes from time.

Ireland have never won away in France during the Women's Six Nations, but have come close on a number of occasions, notably in 2012 and 2014 when they lost one-score games.

Current assistant coach Briggs played in both of those defeats, and says the current side need to treat Saturday's game in Toulouse as a learning experience in what is a season of transition.

"I think [getting] the result is the big thing, I've played in France lots of times and we've performed, but just not had the belief to get over the line. It's always been about fine margins," she said.

"This group are under no illusions. The French are so good at coming out to support rugby, I'm sure there will be a massive crowd in Toulouse.

"It's a difficult place to go, but this is a free shot, we have to go and enjoy the experience and occasion.

"This will be the first time we'll have played in a stadium like this with a huge crowd, and they're always really noise. Our message to the players will be to enjoy it, soak it in and learn as much as you can.

Lucy Mulhall [below] is the only injury concern for the trip to France, with the wing going through the return to play protocols for a head injury she suffered against Wales.

It