Ireland vs France LIVE rugby: Six Nations 2023 score and result as Ireland win Dublin thriller
Ireland 32-19 France: The 2023 Six Nations title could well be heading to Dublin after a brilliant win for Andy Farrell’s Ireland
Ireland underlined their status as the world’s No q team as they overwhelmed defending champions France 32-19 in a fantastic Six Nations match that absolutely lived up to its billing, delivering wonderful tries and relentless skill.
In the first-ever Six Nations clash between the world’s top-two ranked nations, a Hugo Keenan try put Ireland ahead but France hit back with a brilliant counter-attack finished off by Damian Penaud.
Ireland regained the lead with an extraordinarily athletic finish by James Lowe and added a third through prop Andrew Porter. France stayed in touch with three Thomas Ramos penalties but trailed 22-16 at half-time after one of the best 40 minutes the competition has seen for years.
The second half was tighter, but Ireland were disciplined in holding France at bay before Garry Ringrose crossed for the fourth try to cap off a superb display and end a run of three successive defeats by the French.
Relive the action from the Six Nations clash below:
Ireland 32-19 France, 82 minutes
France go off the top. Into midfield, pulled back at the line, and then again...knocked on by Ethan Dumortier! Ireland have ended France’s unbeaten run!
Ireland 32-19 France, 80 minutes
The Aviva Stadium crowd roar their delight as the clock ticks beyond 80 minutes and the win is confirmed. France get another penalty from the lineout - Gaetan Barlot will throw again from 30 metres closer to the Ireland line.
Ireland 32-19 France, 79 minutes
The win is gone, but there will be a last chance for France to steal a bonus point - a penalty against James Ryan, who goes slightly high on Gael Fickou.
France’s lineout just indside their own half.
Ireland 32-19 France, 78 minutes
The energy has just gone a little from the French players and crowd as the reality of the situation dawns, Ireland penning them back in their own left corner and time running short. Antoine Dupont’s box kick is charged down, the irrepressible scrum half forced to beat three to even allow him a second chance to clear.
Ireland 32-19 France, 75 minutes
It’s got to be now for France. Space on the right, Antoine Dupont finding it after Romain Taofifenua’s lay-off. Dupont kicks ahead...skewed too far to the right for Damian Penaud to hack on! French support just a little lacking after Dupont had made the burst, which left the scrum half short of clear options, and his prod wasn’t quite right for an onrushing Penaud to get to.
Tom O’Toole, who has made a real impact for Ireland, carries superbly and earns Ireland a penalty.
TRY! IRELAND 32-19 France (Garry Ringrose try, 72 minutes)
Dublin erupts!
Patient, patient stuff from Ireland, and a try conjured from two brilliant bits of skill. Caelan Doris picks and goes but is held by Gael Fickou, running on fumes but still leading the defensive effort. It appears that Fickou has snuffed out the danger, but Doris writhes and wriggles, shedding Fickou enough to free the arms.
The number eight throws a superb pass to Garry Ringrose, who still has plenty to do. Matthieu Jalibert rushes to meet the centre, but in his haste unbalances himself, allowing Ringrose to get by him with a combination of footwork and a fend and hurry to the corner.
Ross Byrne converts - that might just seal it.
Ireland 25-19 France, 71 minutes
There’s a clear contrast between the laboured charges of the forwards who have been with us since the beginning and those fresher to the field. Craig Casey has injected plenty of tempo to the Irish game, and Jack Conan’s carrying has been forthright and effective since his introduction.
France holding firm for now, though, with Ireland 15 metres out.
Ireland 25-19 France, 70 minutes
Banker ball from France, Julien Marchand to Thibaud Flament at the front. The maul allows Antoine Dupont the space he needs to clear, but the scrum half fails to find touch.
Ireland return to the French 22 swiftly, James Lowe shimmying by the first defender.
Ireland 25-19 France, 69 minutes
Another intelligent kick from Byrne, a real craftsman with the boot - Ethan Dumortier is again pushed high to try and prevent Ireland finding more joy out wide, and Byrne lifts a crosskick beyond the young wing, who can only watch it into touch. This will be a pressure lineout.
Dave Kilcoyne is on for Andrew Porter in the Irish front row, while France bring on Francois Cros for Charles Ollivon.
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