Ireland's Erin King believes she is playing alongside some of the best back rows in the world during the Women's Six Nations.

King, 21, started her side's 27-15 defeat by France to kick off their campaign last weekend alongside Aoife Wafer and Brittany Hogan.

Wafer scored twice in another superb display, while Hogan was instrumental in some stout defensive stands.

"I'm so lucky to be among some of the best back rowers in the world. I think they're dragging me along," said King, who was named women's breakthrough player of the year at the World Rugby awards in November.

"There's so much competition in our back row and our squad, I think we just keep pushing each other and helping each other improve.

"I'm learning so much off them and I'd say they're learning things off me."

Such has been the form of that trio, the squad's co-captain Edel McMahon was named on the bench for the France loss.

"She's helped me so much," said King of the flanker.

"I'm so lucky to be around such a great person on the pitch and off the pitch.

"She helps me with anything I need and it's great to have her in the camp."

Ireland will travel to Italy for round two of the Women's Six Nations on Sunday, a game that will be be live on BBC Two NI, BBC iPlayer and the BBC Sport website from 14:45 BST.

King said Ireland need to be "a little bit more accurate" than they were against France.

"I think we'll go in with loads of confidence and see what we can do," she added.

"I think we can go out there and put in a performance, tweak the things that weren't as good as we know they can be, and just be a little bit more accurate around the park."