France 30 – 24 Ireland

Antoine Dupont and Cyril Baille scored tries for France, in addition to six Melvyn Jaminet penalties as France held off Ireland for crucial Six Nations win at Stade de France; Mack Hansen, Josh van der Flier, Jamison Gibson-Park score for Ireland; Joey Carbery adds nine points with boot

Antoine Dupont was on the scoresheet as France held on for a crucial Six Nations win

France ensured a thrilling Ireland comeback from 15 points down fell just short as the hosts held on for a 30-24 victory in a scintillating Six Nations encounter at the Stade de France.

Les Bleus, who hit the front via an Antoine Dupont try after just 67 seconds, led by 12 points at the break when full-back Melvyn Jaminet added four penalties.

That advantage was stretched to 15 points early in the second half, but Ireland responded with great spirit to bring the game back to 22-21, before prop Cyril Baille scored a second France try and Jaminet added one further penalty.

The visitors scored tries through wing Mack Hansen, flanker Josh van der Flier and scrum-half Jamison Gibson-Park, with Joey Carbery – in for injured skipper Johnny Sexton – adding three conversions and a penalty, but they could not turn things around completely.

More to follow…