Six Nations 2024: Andy Farrell keen to build on 'special' France win

Ireland head coach Andy Farrell says his side must build on their "special" 38-17 victory against France in their Six Nations opener.

Ireland recorded their biggest ever away win against 14-man France in Marseille to start their Six Nations title defence in momentous fashion.

While Farrell was pleased with his side's display, he still believes there is room for improvement.

"In reality, it is one win out of one," he said.

"It [the Grand Slam] is not won or lost at this stage, but it is about building on this win.

"We tend to be pretty harsh on performances when we have won and we make some good points [to improve on], but there is feel-good factor with a victory like that, it is one to be celebrated."

No nation has ever won back-to-back Grand Slam titles but, with three home matches to come, Ireland are in a favourable position to achieve the feat.

"We want to be in it [contention for the Grand Slam] in the last week, but internally we are hungry to be as good as we possibly can be.

"It's nice to get the victory and with it being a nine-day turnaround now [to the Italy game], that will be good for us."

Ireland value 'right mental capacity'

Nash scored one of Ireland's five tries to mark his Six Natons debut in style

Farrell had no new injury concerns to report, presenting another selection headache for the encounter at the Aviva against an Italy side who were beaten 27-24 by England in Rome in their opening game.

He also confirmed that the fitness of Gary Ringrose will be monitored during the week after he missed the game in Marseille with a shoulder injury he suffered playing for Leinster last month.

"We had a few bangs and bruises but no injuries. We'll see how Gary Ringrose is when we get home," he said.

"There's a balance to strike [with the team], it's about opportunity and what is right for the team and the cohesion of the team going forward."

The 48-year old highlighted the importance of Ireland's mental strength in the famous victory and believes their decision-making in the game, as a result, was crucial to Ireland scoring five tries.

"There is no end to achieving the right mental capacity to be the best team that you want to be, it is something that we value as huge in our psyche," explained Farrell.

"Over the years it has always been about physicality and getting one over on your opposition, but being accurate with your decision-making and your physicality because of those decisions, is something that we constantly strive to get better at."

He added: "It is tough in an environment like that [in Marseille], in an atmosphere like that, when it means so much to the group, but we're learning that pretty quickly, because the game is all about decision-making.

"It is getting better, some players get it better than most, but by and large we're making good strides in that regard."