France Keep Six Nations Title Hopes Alive with Stunning Win Over Ireland
Ardee News and Sport – France Keep Six Nations Title Hopes Alive with Stunning Win Over Ireland
Ireland 27-42 France
France produced a breathtaking second-half display in Dublin to defeat Ireland 42-27, keeping their Six Nations title hopes alive and setting up a thrilling final weekend.
This clash was a tale of two games. The first half was a tense, high-intensity battle, with Ireland dominating possession but struggling to break through France’s defensive wall. The visitors made a staggering 81 tackles in the opening 17 minutes, double-teaming Irish runners and disrupting their attacking rhythm.
Yet, they were clinical when it mattered. Louis Bielle-Biarrey struck first, crossing the whitewash just moments after Joe McCarthy was shown a yellow card. Even the loss of Antoine Dupont to injury on the half-hour mark didn’t unsettle them. Instead, France’s power and precision grew as the game progressed.
Ireland responded early in the second half with Dan Sheehan powering over from a maul, briefly swinging momentum in their favor. But the French hit back ruthlessly, scoring twice in quick succession through Paul Boudehent and Bielle-Biarrey.
A second Irish yellow card, this time for Calvin Nash, further compounded the hosts’ woes. France capitalized immediately, with their dominant pack and electric backs cutting through Ireland’s defenses. The game was sealed in the 75th minute when Thomas Ramos and Damian Penaud combined for a stunning 70-meter counterattack try.
Ireland continued to battle, managing to narrow the scoreline late on, but the grand slam dream was shattered. Now, they must secure a bonus-point win in Rome and hope for a miracle elsewhere in the championship race.
For the French team, the focus shifts to their showdown with Scotland next weekend. If they can replicate this relentless performance, the Six Nations trophy may still be within reach.
