Ireland 27-42 France

Ireland v France Match Reports

France secured a 42-27 bonus-point victory over Ireland in the top-of-the-table Six Nations clash at the Aviva Stadium. Ireland exerted a lot of pressure in the opening exchanges, but momentum shifted when Joe McCarthy was sin-binned for cynical play in the 20th minute. A few moments later, Louis Bielle-Biarrey raced into the corner to score the first try of the match for France. Two successful penalty kicks from Sam Prendergast and one from Thomas Ramos meant that France narrowly led 8-6 at the break. The home side went ahead early in the second half after Dan Sheehan scored a try off a rolling maul. But France came roaring back with three tries (from Paul Boudehent, Bielle-Biarrey and Oscar Jegou) in the space of just 12 minutes to open a big lead heading into the final quarter. Ireland attacked defiantly inside the final 10 minutes, but Damian Penaud capitalised on an interception to score France's fifth try in the 75th minute. Cian Healy and Jack Conan scored consolation tries in the final five minutes, but it wasn't enough to keep Ireland's Grand Slam hopes alive. A selection of match reports is listed below:

• Six Nations Guide: France dismiss Dupont disappointment to destroy Ireland in Dublin
• BBC: Ireland Grand Slam hopes ended by rampant France
• Guardian: France take Six Nations title race to the wire with thumping win over Ireland
• Daily Mail: Thomas Ramos impresses as France move two points clear at the top in Six Nations clash to end Irish hopes of glory
• Sky Sports: Les Bleus brush off injury loss of Antoine Dupont for big Six Nations win in Dublin
• RTE: Rampant France end Irish Grand Slam hopes with emphatic win in Dublin
• Irish Independent: Ireland’s Six Nations three-peat bid in tatters as Grand Slam dream ends with defeat to France