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 6-0 Wales, 26 minutes
Scotland’s defence is firm for now, though. Wales struggle to cause them stress, failing to win the gainline with any regularity, and Jamie Ritchie spots an exposed ball as three Welshmen hit the deck with no-one left to clear the ruck. The Scotland captain wins a penalty.
Scotland 6-0 Wales, 25 minutes
The errors continue. Finn Russell’s dropout sails out on the full. More attacking possession for Wales, who must surely capitalise at some point.
Missed penalty! Scotland 6-0 Wales, 24 minutes
Or not! Tugged improbably to the left by Dan Biggar from 40 metres or so out. A poor miss by his high standards.
Stuart Hogg has failed his HIA - Blair Kinghorn will remain.
Scotland 6-0 Wales, 23 minutes
Another relatively basic error from Wales, Dillon Lewis dropping the ball cold as he lifts his eyes and prepares to take contact.
But a scrum penalty should earn Wales their first points of the day.
Scotland 6-0 Wales, 22 minutes
It’s a real battle at the breakdown so far, Wales’ twin openside threats busying themselves whenever they can. Tommy Reffell, who really is one of the finest operators in Europe over the ball, forces Sione Tuipulotu into an extra roll as he tries to contest. Andrew Brace penalises the Scotland centre.
Scotland 6-0 Wales, 21 minutes
Oh Wales, this is all feeling rather familiar. They load the ten channel with carriers as they dart away from the base of the scrum but, in the words of referee Andrew Brace: “All of the backs are offside.” Another chance missed.
Scotland 6-0 Wales, 20 minutes
Wales are starting to get some joy with their kicking game, turning Scotland repeatedly. Josh Adams forces Duhan van der Merwe to retreat and gather, the wing then combining with Liam Williams to ensure that Van der Merwe can’t abscond. Five metre scrum for Wales to feed.
Scotland 6-0 Wales, 19 minutes
Familiar woe in the 22 for Wales! Christ Tshiunza is again the target for Ken Owens, who doesn’t quite flight his arrow high enough, allowing Richie Gray’s thieving paws to steal it.
Scotland 6-0 Wales, 18 minutes
Much, much better from Wales! Joe Hawkins unfurls a delectable miss ball, fizzing it flat to the wide outside and Liam Williams, who prods ahead and hares off in pursuit.
Williams’ chase earns a breakdown penalty - and Wales opt to go to the corner...
Scotland 6-0 Wales, 16 minutes
Stuart Hogg is actually having an HIA, so Blair Kinghorn may yet be with us for slightly longer than first thought.
After an initial burst from Rio Dyer promises much, Wales get a little over-excited in their more structured attacking patterns, and a timely Scottish tug on the arm sends the ball spilling free, allowing the hosts to clear from just outside their own 22.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments