France 17-38 Ireland

France v Ireland Match Reports

Ireland began their Six Nations title defence with a comprehensive 38-17 bonus-point victory over France in Marseille. The visitors showed their attacking intent with two well-worked first-half tries from Jamison Gibson-Park and Tadhg Beirne. France were reduced to 14 men just after half-hour when Paul Willemse was sent off for a second yellow-card offence. The loss of a man spurred the home side into action and Damian Penaud scored a try to reduce the deficit to 7-points at the break. Ireland were first to score in the second half when Calvin Nash dived over in the corner. Paul Gabrillagues soon replied for France – in a play that saw Peter O'Mahony sin-binned for collapsing a rolling maul in the lead up to the try. Dan Sheehan secured a bonus-point just after the hour mark when he scored Ireland's fourth try. France fought hard as they attempted to close the gap in the final quarter, but Ireland were too strong with the extra man. Ronan Kelleher was driven over in the closing minutes to take Ireland's try tally to five. A selection of match reports is listed below:

• Six Nations Guide: Ireland move into pole position for Six Nations title with victory in France
• BBC: Ireland claim biggest ever away win over France
• Guardian: Ireland set down marker with rout in France after Willemse red card
• Daily Mail: Ireland claim their biggest-ever win over France in a STUNNNG display at the Stade Velodrome
• Sky Sports: Superb visitors claim bonus-point Six Nations victory in Marseille as Paul Willemse shown red
• Irish Independent: Andy Farrell’s men produce memorable display with bonus-point win in Marseille
• Irish Times: Ireland stun France with best ever Six Nations victory on French soil