France took a significant step towards the Six Nations title as they beat Ireland 30-24 in Paris.
Antoine Dupont got the home side up and running inside a couple of minutes, before Mack Hansen made the most of some indecision to cut the deficit for Ireland.
The boot of Melvyn Jaminet kept France’s lead ticking over, before tries in the second-half from Josh van der Flier and Jamison Gibson-Park got Ireland to within a point.
But Cyril Baille then went over to extend that lead, and France saw out the rest of the match to bring an end to Ireland’s nine-match winning run and strike a major blow in the Six Nations title race.
France needed just 67 seconds to cross the tryline as they got off to a flying start. Romain Ntamack’s offload found Dupont inside and he went over to the delight of the Stade de France.
Jaminet added the conversion and then a penalty, as the home side extended their lead into double figures with barely six minutes played.
But Ireland found an immediate way back into the match, as straight from the kick-off Jaminet and Damian Penaud hesitated. Hansen capitalised to claim Joey Carbery’s kick brilliantly and go over in the corner for the try.
The match settled down after that chaotic opening, before Jaminet kicked over two penalties late in the half to send France into the break with a 12-point lead.
That became 15 point shortly after the break, as Jaminet once again punished some ill-discipline.
Ireland though then responded in superb style, showing why they went into the match on a nine-match winning run. A good lineout and maul set the platform for Van der Flier to go over and cut the deficit, as France suddenly struggled to cope.
And the home side’s lead was cut to one point just four minutes later. Scrum-half Gibson-Parker created the space with a dummy and then burst into the gap before diving over for Ireland’s third try, leaving Carbery a simple conversion.
France were on the ropes but gave themselves some breathing room, as Baille rode a couple of tackles after a French turnover to ground the ball. Jaminet missed the conversion, as France stayed 27-21 ahead midway through the second-half.
It was an incredibly tight and nervy conclusion to the match. Ireland won a penalty with seven minutes remaining, which Carbery sent over the posts to move Ireland back within three points.
France knew they could not afford to give away a late penalty, but they kept their heads and their discipline. Jaminet went over thought had not grounded the ball - it mattered little though, as he sent over a simple penalty to seal the win.
After two weekends of the Six Nations, France are the only side with a 100% record.
