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:
Yellow-card! Ireland 0-0 France, 19 minutes
France move the ball quickly out wide, and as Bielle Biarrey makes a break, Ramos is held back in support.
It was McCarthy who made the challenge, and he’ll now spend 10 minutes in the sin bin as a result.
Ireland without their big second-row will struggle.
Ireland 0-0 France, 18 minutes
The intensity on both sides of the ball is tense. The quality so far has been outstanding.
Ireland have had more possession but missed opportunities to score. France always pose a danger.
Prendergast uses his kicking game effectively, and from that, France drive forward in a maul before sending up a high kick, which they contest and win.
However, Ireland manage to regain possession, and Osborne clears it to Dupont.
Ireland 0-0 France, 16 minutes
Penalty to France! They win the breakdown and gain excellent field position.
They’ll have a lineout. They’re just outside the Irish 22.
Will this be an opportunity for France to get some points on the board?
Knock-on! Ireland 0-0 France, 14 minutes
The roar of the crowd is intense as there was a knock-on.
Dupont knocked the ball on while attempting a tackle on the edge of the France 22, and the ball then hit the ground before the visitors got the chance to break away and score.
Ireland 0-0 France, 11 minutes
France are all over the ball! But it’s Ireland who win another penalty from the line-out.
Hugo Keenan came close to scoring but dropped the ball, though play is brought back for the penalty. Prendergast kicks to the corner.
That's four penalties against France after 12 minutes of play.
Ireland win the throw and are doing well.
Ireland 0-0 France, 9 minutes
Sheehan quickly taps and is held just short of the try line.
Doris then charges forward, but the French defence manages to stop the Ireland captain from grounding the ball over the line.
Ireland are inside the 22, with the forwards making solid progress.
France are holding strong for the moment... and earn a penalty.
There’s been some big collisions from Ireland. Sam Prendergast goes for the three point opportunity, after a failed kicked to the corner.
It smashes upright and Penaud clears.
Penalty! Ireland 0-0 France, 4 minutes
France halt Ireland's Gibson-Park at the breakdown, awarding them a crucial lineout in excellent territory.
Ireland win the throw.
Ireland 0-0 France, 2 minutes
We’re under way in Dublin..
Nash was a last-minute replacement for Lowe, who was injured during the warm-up, but he has already made a statement, winning an aerial duel at midfield and out jumping Romain Ntamack.
France have historically had the upper hand in this fixture, but this Ireland team has emerged victorious in the last two encounters.
Roaring anthems
Both teams make their way out of the tunnel, with Ireland led by three centurions playing their final home game: Peter O’Mahony, Cian Healy, and Conor Murray.
Following them are three players earning their 50th caps, captain Caelan Doris, Finlay Bealham, and Jack Conan -before the rest of the squad emerges.
The Irish president Michael D Higgins is being presented to the players ahead of the anthems.
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