France have underlined their status as Six Nations favourites but had to hold on for a 30-24 win over Ireland at the Stade de France after having scored their opening try in just 70 seconds.
It was a second home win in a row for France, who beat Italy last Sunday, and they are now the only side who can complete this season’s grand slam in Europe’s great annual rugby event.
France scored tries on Saturday through captain Antoine Dupont and loosehead Cyril Baille, while fullback Melvyn Jaminet kicked six penalties and a conversion.
Australian-born Mack Hansen, in his second Test, Josh van der Flier and Jamison Gibson-Park were Ireland’s try scorers, with Joey Carberry converting all three and slotting over a late penalty.
The clash was billed as a potential early title decider and had a high tempo with plenty of Gallic flair and a never-say-die attitude from the Irish.
It looked early on, however, as if France might run away with it. Dupont crashed over in the second minute after halfback Romain Ntamack’s clever half step and inside pass allowed the skipper to get the game off to a fiery start.
Jaminet extended the lead to 10-0 in the seventh minute but from the kick off after his successful first penalty Irish wing Hansen plucked the ball out of the air to go over for his maiden international try that caught the French cold.
Jaminet then kicked over three more penalties for a 19-7 halftime lead and another soon after the break to extend it.
Ireland began an impressive comeback when van der Flier went over from a lineout five minutes into the second half and, five minutes later, scrumhalf Gibson-Park broke off the loose scrum and darted to the line after spotting a hole in the French defence.
Conversions from Carberry, who was starting his first Six Nations match in place of the injured Johnny Sexton, brought the score back to 22-21.
But France were quick to re-establish a buffer with New Zealand-born Uini Atonio’s push to the line setting up a try for his fellow front-rower Baille.
Ireland elected to go for posts with a penalty seven minutes from time to make it 27-24, but they might have been more ambitious and kicked for a lineout and maul opportunity.
We’re excited to announce the launch of The Roar Rugby Podcast co-hosted by our experts Brett McKay and Harry Jones and featuring some special guests. You can check out the trailer below and the guys will be back for a full Super Rugby preview on Wednesday.
France’s victory was confirmed by a late Jaminet penalty after he had crossed over the line but had his own try ruled out when referee Angus Gardner determined it had been held up.
France are now in the driving seat in the competition as they seek a first title since 2010.
“It was really physical game, but the win was made by 22 players,” said France man of the match Gregory Alldritt.
“We have a huge away game in Scotland in two weeks, and we are not thinking about anything more than that.”
Just Nuisance
Roar Rookie
They certainly look the full package . They are been talked up big time for the World Cup with some pundits almost ticking them off as a given next year . Rest of us to make up the numbers . I thought Scotland who have a strong tactical kicking game played right into French hands ignoring by and large their most potent weapon . Not sure what game plan Wales will pitch up with , Pivacs or Gatlands . Pivac imo not committing enough players the ruck . But it’s the match a week later in Paris against England that’ll get my real attention. I’ll tell you then if France are genuine Nr 1 favorites for the Webb Ellis or not . Also The All Blacks and The Boks would love nothing more than to go into the WC as underdogs . Australia play a similar game to The French way but don’t have the same firepower and brute force . Have a better draw though and probably hoping someone else eliminates France first . One of those style anomalies . Aus would rather face The Boks , France would rather face Aus . Think the Wallabies will be very happy to go into proceedings 2023 flying under everyone’s radar .
OMO
Roar Rookie
I feel if Ireland had Sexton at the helm, the result MAY have been different, as I feel he probably would've gone for the corner instead of opting for the 3 and would've had a bigger impact at Captain than Ryan had. As well as this, would've taken off Ryan for Henderson as I feel Ryan made a minimal impact throughout the game, and almost (probably should've) got YC. Either way, it was a great game from France, feels like to me they could be the best in the world at this moment in time.
Tim J
Roar Rookie
Appreciate that Brett. :thumbup:
Brett McKay
Expert
Not live mate, you'll be able to get back to it whenever you can..
soapit
Roar Guru
for me there was enough evidence the ball touched the turf
Riccardo
Roar Rookie
Scintillating rugby for the most part highlighted by a brilliant try from Ireland's Hansen. A real statement from the North in this fan's opinion. France are going to be tough to beat at home next year...
HenryHoneyBalls
Guest
You mean like pretty much every other side. France got away with a lot themselves.
HiKa
Roar Rookie
Ball needs to contact the turf and it didn't. The TMO checked it carefully. But, I thought the French reserve scrummy moved the ball forward on the ground with his hands after the illegal Irish (YC worthy) slap-down at the back of the ruck. Can't be a try on advantage if there is a knock-on by the "scoring" team. Right result was back to the penalty - but should have dished a YC, too. [I was supporting Ireland, FWIW.]
Ken Catchpole's Other Leg
Roar Guru
The intro sounds great Brett. Looking forward to more of the Hairy man’s insights and halfback insults. Great initiative.
Tim J
Roar Rookie
Cheers Brett, I probably miss it as having an MRI scan. I will see what happens, this is a great initiative.
soapit
Roar Guru
Just short of need perhaps
Brett McKay
Expert
Aiming for around lunchtime Wednesday, Madman, but you'll see it over the site as soon as it's live...
Brett McKay
Expert
I'm not sure anyone needs that. Soapy! :stoked:
Tim J
Roar Rookie
To best honest Lara, Scotlands move was backwards after the Welsh game. Like you I am impressed with France, there is good cohesion about the team. And their forwards are impressive, they still have flair but are now more structured and have an edge to them.
FunBus
Roar Rookie
Excellent game of rugby between two very good sides.
soapit
Roar Guru
Think I will refuse to tune in until it's including video of you both as well
soapit
Roar Guru
Yep easy to forget size and power will always matter
soapit
Roar Guru
Looked like a clear try to me.
Lara
Guest
Huge fan of the current French team. Their progress is impressive n there is bound to be more improvement in them…..can’t wait for England, but the Scots are next n they are also on the move. Congrats Charly.
John A Hanna
Guest
Good game of Rugby Take note AB selectors 1st Five/Flyhalf plays as 1st receiver Fullbacks play as Fullbacks None of this BS dual playmaker stuff. Let 1 guy control the game be it Barrett or Mounga