A first Triple Crown since 1985 gave rise to the belief two years ago that Ireland could be on the brink of something special but so far they have failed to produce.

Viewed as favourites, they buckled under the weight of expectation during last seasons RBS 6 Nations before collapsing to heavy defeats by New Zealand and Australia in November.

And last Saturdays unconvincing 26-16 victory over Italy wiped out the good feeling created by the rampaging success of Munster and Leinster in recent European Cup matches.

With a raft of highly-gifted individuals in their ranks, Ireland have under-achieved since their Triple Crown success and OConnell believes it is time to start to delivering on their promise.

Last year we missed Gordon DArcy, Brian ODriscoll and Shane Horgan who were injured but now we have a full team and should be looking to kick on from here, OConnell said.

Were lucky with the talent we have at our disposal. The team thats playing this weekend is stronger than the one that won at the Stade de France six years ago.

I want to win in Paris. The guys that succeeded there in 2000 will be remembered for a long time because its not very often that we beat the French in their own back yard.

We have a lot of talent at our disposal and need to start making that count by winning big games. Theres a big performance in the team somewhere soon.