France put themselves in pole position for Six Nations glory by ending Ireland’s nine-match winning run with a pulsating 30-24 victory in Paris.
Antoine Dupont’s try just 67 seconds in set the tone for a breath-taking evening of free-flowing rugby at a raucous Stade de France. The home side were 10-0 up after six minutes.
Ireland recovered well from the early setback and converted scores from Mack Hansen, Josh Van Der Flier and Jamison Gibson-Park saw them threaten to pull off a stunning comeback success as France looked rattled early in the second-half.
But indiscipline ultimately proved costly for Andy Farrell’s visitors as six Melvyn Jaminet penalties, plus a try from Cyril Baille after Ireland had got themselves back to within a point, helped Les Bleus take a giant step towards a first title since 2010.
