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 22-16 France, 56 minutes
Romain Ntamack kicks for the corner, the bounce of the ball preventing it finding the five-metre line and Hugo Keenan back promptly to gather and clear upfield. France run it back, Damian Penaud combining with Ethan Dumortier, but neither able to spot a hole to hurry through.
A really good defensive set from Ireland, and an aimless grubber is well gathered by James Lowe. Lowe’s spiral results in a territorial win for his side as Andy Farrell readies more changes.
Ireland 22-16 France, 54 minutes
Another Irish lineout misfire - Peter O’Mahony fumbling for a second time in the last five minutes, this time lifted at the front but unable to take above his head. French possession in the Ireland half.
Ireland 22-16 France, 53 minutes
A significant change from Fabien Galthie - Gregory Alldritt relatively seldom fails to see out 80 minutes but today it is an early withdrawal for the number eight, with Sekou Macalou on in the back row. Atypically, France have two flankers at their disposal among the replacements, with Francois Cros to join proceedings later.
A rare moment of calm in the game as the two sides trade kicks.
Ireland 22-16 France, 51 minutes
The travelling supporters are in excellent voice now, booing another decision against their team after Dumortier clashes with Conor Murray in aerial contest. Penalty to Ireland.
Ronan Kelleher throws the lineout over the top, with Peter O’Mahony fading and attempting to take it beyond Julien Marchand - the flanker knocks on, though, ending Ireland’s hopes of a set-piece strike.
Ireland 22-16 France, 50 minutes
It feels as if the momentum has swung a little France’s way. Thibaud Flament produces the most delightful of offloads to Antoine Dupont, clawing it out the back as three Irishmen engulf him.
Ethan Dumortier chips up the left touchline - was the wing taken out? Wayne Barnes says no, believing the collision to be fair despite Hugo Keenan barelling in to Dumortier after the kick.
Ireland 22-16 France, 48 minutes
Johnny Sexton is trudging off! The fly half hadn’t been moving smoothly since receiving that treatment and that is that for his involvement today. Half an hour of Ross Byrne, then - a significant test for the Leinster fly half.
Ireland 22-16 France, 47 minutes
The France are just starting to make their physicality known. Charles Ollivon leads a counter-ruck to win back ball in the Irish half.
Lovely from Damian Penaud, somehow keeping his feet through a tangle of limbs as Irish tacklers grasp in vain at him.
Penalty to Ireland! Just as France seemed to be building towards a score, a vital jackal penalty to draw Wayne Barnes’ whistle.
Missed penalty! Ireland 22-16 France, 46 minutes
A first error from the tee from Thomas Ramos - he likes the shape of his effort from distance but has under-clubbed it. The ball travels the wrong side of the crossbar and Ireland will have a 22 dropout.
Ireland 22-16 France, 45 minutes
The ferocity of this contest is beginning to take a significant toll - Paul Willemse’s removal appears tactical, with Romain Taofifenua providing similar heft, but Tadhg Beirne’s departure is most certainly not, an anguished look on the lock’s face as Iain Henderson is hastily readied. Beirne is helped off - a blow for Ireland. Johnny Sexton gets some treatment, too, but will continue.
Ireland 22-16 France, 45 minutes
Timely from Charles Ollivon! A superb jackal from the flanker to win France the ball five metres out from their own line.
France play adventurously, Ethan Dumortier casting aside three tacklers to make 40 metres on his lonesome. The wing isn’t quite able to get a pass away and Ireland win back the ball, but are penalised soon after for holding on following more sharp breakdown scavenging from the French forwards.
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