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:
Scotland 13-7 Wales, 38 minutes
An excellent defensive read from Huw Jones, vastly improved in that regard over the last couple of seasons. Wales have a three-man overlap as the ball loops towards Liam Williams, but Jones manages to snare the Welsh full back before he can ship the ball on and cut Scotland open.
Scotland 13-7 Wales, 37 minutes
George Turner’s absence presents a problem for Scotland at the lineout, but Jamie Ritchie does just about make it work.
That will be his last throw of the day, you’d think, as Wales hold up a Scottish midfield carrier to win a scrum, which necessitates Fraser Brown’s introduction. Luke Crosbie is sacrificed.
TRY! Scotland 13-7 WALES (Ken Owens try, 35 minutes)
Joy at last for Wales and it’s their captain who is the buried beneficiary!
Fine mauling technique from Wales, Adam Beard and Daffyd Jenkins twin pillars around which the rest can crowd. With a great heave they get to the line and Ken Owens takes the celebratory pats on the head.
Dan Biggar converts nicely from the left.
Scotland 13-0 Wales, 33 minutes
Wales win another penalty with the lineout drive, and Josh Adams can’t make anything of Dan Biggar’s loopy crosskick, so back they’ll go.
Belatedly, George North is called for an HIA after that Turner tackle - Alex Cuthbert is on, with Josh Adams into the centres.
YELLOW CARD! George Turner is sent to the sin bin! Scotland 13-0 Wales, 32 minutes
The significant dip serves as mitigation but there’s a fair amount of force in Turner’s challenge, who offered an immediate apology to George North.
Off to the naughty step for ten minutes. Wales kick back into the Scottish 22.
Scotland 13-0 Wales, 32 minutes
Wales, at times, look a bit like a school team, throwing the ball about with ambition but short of accuracy or cogent strategy.
A fine win from the restart earns them field position but they get in a muddle and the ball again hits the deck.
Ooh - George Turner might be in a little bit of bother here. George North is falling as he tries to step inside the hooker but there is significant head contact...
TRY! SCOTLAND 13-0 Wales (George Turner try, 31 minutes)
The first angle shows it - ball against turf and George Turner has scored!
Dan Biggar did commendably to nearly halt him, denying the hooker on the first charge, but Turner adjusts the position of his place and just about gets it to ground.
Scotland had again mauled strongly, wrapping up the Welsh forwards and gifting Turner a one-on-one carry into the visitors’ fly-half. Tomos Williams arrived too late to aid his half-back partner. Finn Russell converts.
Try? Scotland 6-0 Wales, 30 minutes
George Turner surges away from the lineout - it looks like he’s been held up but Andrew Brace wants to check with TMO Brian MacNeice...
Scotland 6-0 Wales, 29 minutes
What a cover tackle from Rio Dyer! Scotland play with penalty advantage earned at the maul, Finn Russell producing one of those luscious rainbows to put Blair Kinghorn in space.
Kinghorn’s transfer to Kyle Steyn is swift and the wing acclerates towards the corner, but Dyer shows his turn of pace to get back and drive him towards touch.
A helpful shoulder from Josh Adams - looked at briefly by the TMO but ruled legal - helps force Steyn out. Back Scotland will come for another lineout after the penalty.
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