Ireland 19-9 France

Ireland v France Match Reports

Man-of-the-match Conor Murray scored the game's only try as Ireland beat France 19-9 at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin. A closely contested first half ended 7-6 in Ireland's favour, with Murray's converted try cancelling out Camille Lopez' two earlier penalty kicks. Johnny Sexton marked his successful return with two penalty kicks and a drop-goal in the second half to extend the Irish lead. Camille Lopez kicked his third penalty in the 74th minute to bring France within a converted score, but substitute Paddy Jackson landed his own penalty kick shortly afterwards to seal a deserved Irish victory. A selection of match reports is listed below:

• BBC: Ireland beat France to top Six Nations table
• Guardian: Johnny Sexton kicks Ireland to top of Six Nations with victory over France
• Independent: Ireland keep their Six Nations hopes alive as Jonathan Sexton and Conor Murray combine to down France 19-9
• Telegraph: Rory Best's men stay on course for title decider with England
• Daily Mail: Johnny Sexton dominates play on his return to Irish starting XV as he kicks 11 points in hard won Six Nations victory
• Sky Sports: Irish keep Six Nations title hopes alive
• ESPN: Johnny Sexton stars on return as Ireland sink France
• RTE: Murray & Sexton class denies gallant French
• RBS 6 Nations: Ireland enjoy perfect homecoming against France
• Irish Rugby: Ireland Pass French Test To Stay In Title Contention