Ireland vs France LIVE rugby: Result and reaction from Six Nations after extraordinary result in title decider
Ireland 27-42 France: A resounding, remarkable win for the visitors leaves them in control of their own destiny
France took charge of the Six Nations title race in sensational style as they produced an outstanding performance to dash Ireland’s grand slam dreams with a 42-27 thrashing.
The hosts’ hopes of an historic championship three-peat were left in tatters by a damaging defeat in Dublin, with Les Bleus surging clear in the second half despite losing star scrum half, and captain, Antoine Dupont to injury. The rapid Louis Bielle-Biarrey starred with a couple of scores while the impact of a bench full of behemoths proved decisive for Fabien Galthie’s side as they turned the screw in a remarkable victory.
It leaves the equation simple for the French entering the final weekend. Beat Scotland with a bonus point in Paris in the final fixture of Super Saturday and the title will be theirs. Ireland, hoping to become the first team to win three successive tournament crowns, know their fate is now out of their hands, with England also potentially in the title mix if they beat Italy on Sunday.
Re-live all of the action from a remarkable result in Dublin in our live blog below:
France dismantle Ireland as Six Nations title race takes dramatic twist
France overcame the injury loss of Antoine Dupont to blow open the Six Nations title race by extinguishing Ireland’s grand slam dream with a crushing 42-27 win in Dublin.
Les Bleus captain Dupont - arguably the world's best player - limped from the field in the 29th minute of an engrossing showdown at a sold-out Aviva Stadium.
Louis Bielle-Biarrey's early try helped the French into an 8-6 half-time lead before Dan Sheehan's score shifted the momentum in Ireland's favour just after the restart.
But the hosts were blitzed during a breathtaking second half as Fabien Galthie's side ruthlessly wrestled top spot in the championship table going into next week's final round.
Bielle-Biarrey, the tournament's top try scorer, took his tally to seven with a sensational finish before Paul Boudehent, Oscar Jegou and the diving Damian Penaud completed the demolition job, adding to 17 points from full-back Thomas Ramos.
France dismantle Ireland as Six Nations title race takes dramatic twist
Brian O'Driscoll speaking to ITV: 'France showcased a defensive masterpiece'
“I have to say France had a defensive masterclass as well. Not only their ability to be able to read off but they're actually firing to the tackle.
“Shaun Edwards, the defensive coach, will be thrilled with that output.”
Louis Bielle-Biarrey speaking post-match: 'Lucu is a strong player'
France wing Louis Bielle-Biarrey, speaking to ITV: "The secret was to play the whole 80 minutes with all of the intensity that we have.
“We know they have a very good and fit team. I think we did a good job."
"Losing Antoine was not in the strategy of the game. Max Lucu is a very good player and we didn't worry.
Ireland's captain Caelan Doris: 'The second-half was our downfall'
"I think that middle section of the second half we didn't control well enough.
"There was some ill discipline and back-to-back penalties. They played their power game.
"They got a bit of momentum and when we get tight defensively, they can spread it wide and score which is what happened two or three times.
"We have got to go and make it right next week and that is the plan now."
Full-time! Ireland 27-42 France
That puts France in a strong position to claim the Six Nations title next week against Scotland. They are two points ahead of Ireland at the top.
Ireland will be disappointed that they didn’t secure their Grand Slam hopes.
TRY! Ireland 27-42 France, 79 minutes
Hugo Keenan secures a strong 50/22.
Jack Conan secures the bonus point try on his 50th cap. Prendergast completes the conversion, but it’s all too late for Ireland here in Dublin.
TRY! Ireland 20-42 France, 77 minutes
Ireland respond as Cian Healy signs off with a try.
Ireland are awarded a penalty as Meafou plays half-back.
Healy drives over from close range and Prendergast adds the conversion.
TRY! Ireland 13-42 France, 74 minutes
Damian Penaud dives for glory!
Ireland take it quickly and the pass is stolen by Ramos and off-loaded to Penaud, who speeds away, straight down the pitch.
Flament is sent to the sin-bin.
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