Defeat in Paris for Ireland is all too familiar at this stage but centre Andrew Trimble insists the team clawed back some self-belief from their latest efforts in the Stade de France.

A thrilling comeback during the final quarter fell agonisingly short and Eddie O'Sullivan's side were forced to settle for a 26-21 scorelinee but there is now some respite from the relentless criticism of the last six months.

"That display has restored a lot of confidence," Trimble said. "We've always had faith in ourselves but there's no point having that if you don't produce on the pitch.

"As much as we knew we always had the potential to produce the performance, we had to prove that.

"There's no point knowing what we can do without demonstrating it and we showed what we are capable of against France.

"We proved to a lot of people what we're made of and that we have that big performance in us.

"We were very proud but disappointed at the same time. Hopefully we can build on that."

A devastating first-half hat-trick by Vincent Clerc pointed to a heavy defeat and when Cedric Heymans crossed in the 52nd minute France seemed assured of victory.

But referee Nigel Owens awarded a penalty try as Les Bleus' scrum buckled and  then David Wallace powered over from close range.

Ronan O'Gara kicked a penalty with two minutes to go to set up the grand stand finish, but Ireland chose to go wide when in possession at the death and the chance was gone as the clock caught up with them.

"We hadn't highlighted the French scrum as a weakness but our pack showed what they're capable of," said the Ulsterman.

"It's great to be part of an enthusiastic team. After that penalty try everyone was loving playing for each other.

"We're capable of playing an expansive game and a war of attrition, but it's important to get the balance right.

"We have to soften teams up front and challenge them in the three-quarters."

Scotland, who have lost to France and Wales so far this Six Nations, visit Croke Park in a fortnight's time.

Trimble is likely to continue at inside centre against Frank Hadden's side and has urged his team to approach the match with caution.

"The Scotland game is a great opportunity for us now," he said. "We have built a bit of confidence and we mustn't fall for the trap that we fell for before — thinking that we're better than we are.

"We have to start again, look at the way Scotland play and seek to put in a big performance."