Ireland 32-19 France
Date:
Venue: Aviva Stadium, Dublin
Referee: Wayne Barnes (England)
Attendance: 51,700
Ireland v France Match Reports
Ireland emerged 32-19 victors over France in the battle of the World's top two teams at the Aviva Stadium. Hugo Keenan, James Lowe and Andrew Porter scored tries for Ireland in a breathless first half that lived up to its pre-match billing. France managed to stay in touch with a sweeping try from Damian Penaud and three penalties from Thomas Ramos to reach the interval 22-16 down. After the break, France pressed hard but Ireland were first to score when Ross Byrne struck a penalty on the hour mark. Ramos immediately hit back for France with a well taken drop-goal. Garry Ringrose crossed in the 72nd minute to give Ireland a bonus-point and some much needed breathing space as they closed out a thrilling match. A selection of match reports is listed below:
- Six Nations Guide: Determined Ireland continue to impress after victory over France
- BBC: Ireland earn thrilling bonus-point win over France
- Guardian: Ringrose caps win for superb Ireland in Six Nations classic against France
- Daily Mail: Hosts justify world number one status with a bonus point win over the defending Six Nations champions, ending the visitors 14-match unbeaten run
- Sky Sports: Magnificent Six Nations performance sees hosts remain on for Grand Slam tilt
- ESPN: Ireland overcome France in high-speed Six Nations classic
- Irish Independent: Ireland take major Grand Slam step after ending France's winning run in Six Nations classic
Ireland v France - Match Highlights
Ireland v France - Match Stats
Ireland (22) 32
Try: Keenan (10'), Lowe (21'), Porter (26'), Ringrose (72')
Conversion: Sexton (11', 27'), Byrne (74')
Penalty: Sexton (41'), Byrne (60')
France (16) 19
Try: Penaud (18')
Conversion: Ramos (19')
Penalty: Ramos (5', 15', 33')
Drop-goal: Ramos (62')
Man of the match: Caelan Doris (Ireland)
Ireland v France - Team Line-ups
Ireland Team Line-up
Forwards
- 1 Andrew Porter
- 2 Rob Herring
- 3 Finlay Bealham
- 4 Tadhg Beirne
- 5 James Ryan
- 6 Peter O'Mahony
- 7 Josh van der Flier
- 8 Caelan Doris
Backs
- 9 Conor Murray
- 10 Johnny Sexton (Captain)
- 11 James Lowe
- 12 Stuart McCloskey
- 13 Garry Ringrose
- 14 Mack Hansen
- 15 Hugo Keenan
Replacements
- 16 Ronan Kelleher
- 17 Dave Kilcoyne
- 18 Tom O'Toole
- 19 Iain Henderson
- 20 Jack Conan
- 21 Craig Casey
- 22 Ross Byrne
- 23 Bundee Aki
France Team Line-up
Forwards
- 1 Cyril Baille
- 2 Julien Marchand
- 3 Uini Atonio
- 4 Thibaud Flament
- 5 Paul Willemse
- 6 Anthony Jelonch
- 7 Charles Ollivon
- 8 Gregory Alldritt
Backs
- 9 Antoine Dupont (Captain)
- 10 Romain Ntamack
- 11 Ethan Dumortier
- 12 Yoram Moefana
- 13 Gael Fickou
- 14 Damian Penaud
- 15 Thomas Ramos
Replacements
- 16 Gaetan Barlot
- 17 Reda Wardi
- 18 Sipili Falatea
- 19 Romain Taofifenua
- 20 Francois Cros
- 21 Sekou Macalou
- 22 Baptiste Couilloud
- 23 Matthieu Jalibert