Ireland's performance director David Humphreys says last week's 36-14 defeat to France must serve as motivation for the rest of the Six Nations. The Irish team was outclassed at Stade de France, with head coach Andy Farrell criticizing their "lack of intensity" in the tournament opener.

Humphreys emphasized that Ireland "didn't perform" in Paris and must use this underwhelming start as fuel for the remaining four matches. Italy, who stunned Scotland in their opener, visit Dublin on Saturday in Ireland's second game. The IRFU entered the tournament with high expectations following back-to-back championships in 2023 and 2024, including a Grand Slam.

Humphreys, who won 72 caps as a player, said the disappointment from Thursday night's performance must drive Ireland's next five weeks. The bruising weekend for Irish rugby included a 52-14 hammering of an Ireland XV by England 'A' and a 50-21 loss for the Under-20s to France. With Italy next on the schedule, Humphreys is confident fans will see "a very different team and a different performance" this weekend as Ireland looks to bounce back in front of their home crowd.