New Ireland skipper Peter O'Mahony has dismissed suggestions Friday's "colossal" Guinness Six Nations curtain-raiser against France will be an early title decider.
Maxime Lucu will start at No.9 for France in their opening Six Nations match against Ireland on Friday.
World Cup disappointment has not diminished belief among Ireland's squad ahead of their Guinness Six Nations title defence, according to scrum coach John Fogarty.
Bloemfontein has been confirmed as the venue when the Springboks face World Cup surprise package Portugal in the historic first Test between the nations on Saturday, 20 July.
A host of rugby's most gifted players will go head to head over the coming weeks in the 25th instalment of the Guinness Six Nations.
Peter O'Mahony has expressed immense pride at being chosen to succeed Johnny Sexton as the Ireland captain, deeming it one of the most significant moments in his life.