Ireland head coach Andy Farrell has insisted that France are the "team to beat" during this year's Six Nations Championship.
Farrell's men go into the tournament as the bookmakers' favourites to lift the trophy and as the number-one ranked side in world rugby following a memorable 2022.
However, France are just one place behind them in those world rankings and are considered the current favourites to win the World Cup on home soil later this year.
Les Bleus will be looking to defend their Six Nations title after claiming the Grand Slam last year, although both England and Wales will be hopeful of improvement under new management, while Scotland's current crop have been hailed as their best team in generations.
With Northern Hemisphere sides enjoying unprecedented success against the traditional Southern Hemisphere powerhouses in recent times, Farrell believes that the 2023 Six Nations will once again prove to be an intensely competitive tournament.
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When asked whether it might be the most competitive he can remember, Farrell told Sports Mole: "Well, we say that every Six Nations and that's why we love the competition - there's always something that little bit different that throws a spanner in the works.
"There's one thing for sure - Northern Hemisphere rugby is thriving at the minute. France are the team to beat etc, and everyone starts the competition with high hopes and high expectations.
"Everyone wants to win every game and everyone wants to be in with a chance of winning it, so that's why we love the competition, and I don't think that will ever change - you'll probably be asking me the same question again next year."
Ireland begin their Six Nations campaign against Wales in Cardiff on Saturday, February 4, before hosting France in a potential title decider one week later.
Farrell's men then travel to Italy and Scotland after the mid-tournament fallow week, before ending their campaign at home to Steve Borthwick's England.
Barney Corkhill
