Andy Farrell has insisted Ireland can keep pace with rugby’s top sides after 36-14 defeat by France in Paris

Ireland's heavy defeat by France to open the Six Nations will only further press questions raised by a lacklustre autumn.

Ireland face one of the most difficult periods of soul-searching under Andy Farrell after falling to a vastly superior France in Thursday's Six Nations opener.

The French, buoyed by the return of Antoine Dupont, convincingly defeated the Irish at the Stade de France (36-14). They have launched their title defense with panache.

Andy Farrell has insisted Ireland can keep pace with rugby’s top sides after 36-14 defeat by France in Paris