D'Arcy defiant after humbling

The champions saw their grand slam defence crumble during a depressingly familiar afternoon in Paris that exposed the gulf in class between the title rivals.

France were outstanding as they reduced Ireland, previously unbeaten in 12 matches spanning 15 months, to a demoralised rabble lacking the strength or wit to respond.

While the odds have shortened on the pre-championship favourites completing the grand slam themselves, the Irish must reflect on yet another painful visit to the French capital.

The inquest will begin in earnest today but with fixtures against England, Wales and Scotland to come, D'Arcy refuses to concede the title.

"A reality check, a kick in the ass – you can put 100 different names on that result," he said.

"We got right a lot of things that we did wrong against Italy last weekend, but were slack in other areas. We know what we have to do now and next week will be a fairly honest week, to say the least. We've got to roll with the punches.

"But the great thing about sport is that next week is a clean slate, so as long as you're selected, you get the chance to make up for it.

"The championship is still open. All we can do now is try and win our remaining games while hoping somebody nicks one against France. Then if we win it, we win it. If we don't then we'll have gone out on a high."