Ireland beat Grand Slam defending champions France in a thrilling Six Nations clash between the world’s top-ranked teams in Dublin on Saturday.
Leading 22-16 at half time, Ireland, the world’s No 1 team, outscored the second-ranked nation four tries to one for a bonus-point 32-19 win at the Aviva Stadium.
Victory also marked a first triumph for Andy Farrell as head coach against France, and Ireland’s first over the French in the Six Nations since 2019, as well as end a run of 14 wins in a row for Fabien Galthie’s troops.
France made the ideal start with the first of three first-half penalties from fullback Thomas Ramos, before Ireland surged in front when opposite number Hugo Keenan split the defence for the opening try.
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Skipper Johnny Sexton then struck his first of two conversions in the match, yet Les Bleus reclaimed the lead after right wing Damian Penaud started and finished a breathtaking touchdown from inside his own half, and Ramos added the extras.
An acrobatic one-handed score from Ireland speedster James Lowe in the left corner kept the pressure on the visitors at the close of the first quarter, and the hosts regained the lead when loosehead Andrew Porter barged over in his 50th Test appearance.
France were down to 14 men after tighthead prop Uini Atonio saw yellow for a dangerous hit on hooker Rob Herring.
Does anybody do try-scoring moves as well as @IrishRugby right now?! ?#IREvFRA #GuinnessSixNations pic.twitter.com/frwlWunHB3
— Guinness Six Nations (@SixNationsRugby) February 11, 2023
Unbelievable from @FranceRugby!
This game is well and truly living up to the hype?#GuinnessSixNations #IREvFRA pic.twitter.com/unLiNJUCpg
— Guinness Six Nations (@SixNationsRugby) February 11, 2023
One of the greatest finishes you will ever see ✨
Courtesy of @IrishRugby‘s James Lowe.#IREvFRA | #GuinnessSixNations pic.twitter.com/67lnUi1XOI
— Guinness Six Nations (@SixNationsRugby) February 11, 2023
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Ireland went into the break with the six-point cushion courtesy of a Sexton penalty on the hooter, but the veteran playmaker was substituted early after the restart.
Outside centre Garry Ringrose raced into the endzone from out wide following a sustained period of pressure from the men in green and replacement flyhalf Ross Byrne struck the conversion to go with a penalty inside the final 20 minutes to cancel out a swirling Ramos drop goal.
Ireland will next be in action against the Azzurri in Italy on 25 February, with France to host Six Nations dark horses Scotland in Paris on 26 February.
Photo: @IrishRugby/Twitter