Ireland 32 – 19 France

Ireland remain on course for a Six Nations Grand Slam after a thrilling victory over France in Dublin

Ireland remain on course for a Six Nations Grand Slam after a late Garry Ringrose try made sure of a magnificent 32-19 victory over defending champions France at a rocking Aviva Stadium in Dublin. 

In a rip-roaring first half shaded by Ireland, the hosts struck for three tries through Hugo Keenan, James Lowe and Andrew Porter, but a stunning Damian Penaud effort for France, plus the boot of Thomas Ramos kept the visitors in touch.

France were extremely fortunate not to lose prop Uini Atonio to a red card for a high tackle on Rob Herring – referee Wayne Barnes somehow decreeing yellow was sufficient – but Ireland were fortunate too to have the Lowe try awarded, with a strong suspicion his right boot was in touch, but no clear evidence to prove so.

The second half, though much more tense and cagey, was no less compelling, as Ireland dealt with the early losses of Tadhg Beirne and Johnny Sexton through injury to force a two-score lead, only for France to reply with a Ramos drop-goal.

Ringrose struck with eight minutes to go to make sure of victory, however, as Andy Farrell’s superb charges registered a record-breaking 14th successive victory in Dublin.

More to follow…

What’s next?

After next weekend’s fallow week in the Six Nations, Ireland travel to face Italy in Rome at the Stadio Olimpico in Round 3 on Saturday, February 25 (2.15pm kick-off GMT).

France are next in action on Sunday, February 26 (3pm kick-off GMT), as they welcome Scotland to the Stade de France for their Round 3 clash.