Andy Farrell admits Ireland’s spirit will be severely tested after hopes of Guinness Six Nations glory were effectively ended just two games into the tournament following a 15-13 defeat to favourites France.

The Irish suffered successive losses at the start of a Six Nations campaign for the first time and no country has ever recovered from that predicament to win the title.

Ronan Kelleher’s maiden international try helped keep the depleted hosts in contention against Les Bleus but they were unable to avoid another damaging setback following last weekend’s loss in Wales.

“There was a good positive energy and we were all grouped around the cause.

“It’s only sport but in today’s situation, sport doesn’t have people in venues, so we are emotional but it is also joy.

“We start every match with a lot of ambition, a lot of determination and, at the moment, we arrive at the match ready and we saw that today.”