Forward Fiona Tuite says Ireland can “100%” defeat France in their Women’s Six Nations opener in Belfast on Saturday.
France have finished second to all-conquering England in the last five Six Nations and missed out on last year’s title after a final game defeat by the Red Roses.
Ireland, who finished third last year, last defeated the French in 2017 championship.
“We 100% believe we can win this game,” said Ulster second row Tuite.
“We’ll focus on ourselves and we’ll take a lot from it, it’s not all about the result.
“We’re really focused on this being a journey and on ourselves. If the result comes, then absolutely, it’s class. But do we think we can punch? Absolutely.”
The 28-year-old has been named amongst the replacements alongside Cliodhna Moloney and squad captain Eden McMahon with head coach Scott Bemand opting for a 6:2 split on his bench.
Under Bemand, Ireland have qualified for this summer’s World Cup and recorded famous victories over Australia and New Zealand last autumn.
Tuite said the step up in “physicality and aggression” were the main differences in playing the best teams in the world, and that is where Ireland would look to take a further step.
“We’re not the biggest team but we’re definitely aggressive. I think Hugh [Hogan, defence coach] calls us a middleweight team, where we have to punch hard and low.
“That’s something we have been focusing on, that Irish physical dominance is something we wanted to bring into the game.
“We’re really looking forward to bringing that against the French.”
Tuite added France are a “tough team” and said Ireland had been building in training, becoming more “intense and competitive” as the weeks have progressed.
“They are fast, strong and quick. We’ve worked really hard but we will just focus on the game that we can bring, and we’re looking forward to the challenge.
“We’re looking forward to see how we go in the Six Nations and then on to the World Cup.”
