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

Six Nations week one round-up: England struggle as Ireland make statement

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 vs France - Six Nations 2023 updates

• Ireland beat France 32-19 in an enthralling Six Nations showdown in Dublin
• They entered as the two championship favourites and Ireland took a big step towards the title
• FULL-TIME! Ireland 32-19 France
• 72’ - TRY! Ringrose slips out of tackles for the score (IRE 32-19 FRA)
• 61’ - DROP GOAL! Ramos bang through a drop goal to move back within a score (IRE 25-19 FRA)
• 58’ - PENALTY! Byrne slots the first points of the second half to extend Ireland’s lead (IRE 25-16 FRA)
• 38’ - TACKLE! An incredible try-saving tackle by Dupont on Hansen keeps France in touch (IRE 19-16 FRA)
• 26’ - TRY! Porter drives over from close range with france down to 14 men (IRE 19-13 FRA)
• 25’ - SIN-BIN!Atonio controversially avoids red card for high tackle as he’s sin-binned (IRE 12-13 FRA)
• 21’ - TRY! Lowe spectacularly and acrobatically finishes in the corner (IRE 12-13 FRA)
• 18’ - TRY! Penaud finishes off incredible try from one end of the pitch to the other (IRE 7-13 FRA)
• 10’ - TRY! Bealham’s pop releases Keenan to slice through the defence (IRE 7-3 FRA)

[11 February 2023 16:51 · Harry Latham-Coyle]

Scotland 0-0 Wales, 3 minutes

Up goes another Welsh hoist, hanging in the Edinburgh breeze but not overly troubling Finn Russell, who claims a mark. He safely finds touch near halfway.

[11 February 2023 16:50 · Harry Latham-Coyle]

Scotland 0-0 Wales, 2 minutes

Hits of ambition from Scotland early on as they test both edges, Finn Russell with his hands on the ball often in their opening attacking movement. He tries to put his captain through a hole, but the space condenses quickly on Jamie Ritchie, who knocks on into Welsh hands.

[11 February 2023 16:49 · Harry Latham-Coyle]

Scotland 0-0 Wales, 1 minute

Liam Williams is underneath the first nerve-jangler of the evening, claiming calmly as the Scottish chase near. Tomos Williams kicks up to Stuart Hogg, whose first involvement is excellent, jumping to the right and acclerating away from two Welshmen.

[11 February 2023 16:48 · Harry Latham-Coyle]

KICK OFF!

Andrew Brace blows, Finn Russell kicks, and Scotland vs Wales is underway!

[11 February 2023 16:48 · Harry Latham-Coyle]

Match ball

Delivering the match ball is Doddie Weir’s great pal and fellow fundraising titan, Rob Wainwright, who has led a cycle ride from Cardiff to Murrayfield. He safely delivers his cargo to the two captains, who greet him warmly.

Finn Russell soon has it in his possession - he’ll kick us off.

[11 February 2023 16:46 · Harry Latham-Coyle]

Match Officials

It’s been a good day for Ireland so far, and there are four more involved this evening.

Referee: Andrew Brace (IRFU) ARs: Frank Murphy (IRFU) & Chris Busby (IRFU) TMO: Brian MacNeice (IRFU)

[11 February 2023 16:45 · Harry Latham-Coyle]

Flower of Scotland

The piper on the roof leads Murrayfield in, the band falling silent for one of the great rugby sounds: a Scottish home chorus and their sweet, sweet refrain.

[11 February 2023 16:43 · Harry Latham-Coyle]

Hen Wlad Fy Nhadau

No doubting Ken Owens’ passion as he bellows out the opening lines of the Welsh national anthem, almost quivering with the emotion as he leads Wales again. In a pack shorn of a few experienced heads, the hooker will be all the more vital, you feel.

[11 February 2023 16:41 · Harry Latham-Coyle]

Scotland vs Wales

Princess Anne’s rather funky sunglasses attracted a little bit of attention last week, with the royal a contented observer at Twickenham as Scotland continued their fine recent run against England. Nothing quite as extravagant among her accoutrements this week as she meets the two sets of players, though her tartan scarf might be valuable as the evening wears.

It’s pleasant enough at Murrayfield, though - nudging up towards ten degrees, dry, with only a gusting breeze to trouble the players.

[11 February 2023 16:39 · Harry Latham-Coyle]

Scotland vs Wales

Murrayfield is full to the brim. Even the most pessimistic Scottish fans - and there are plenty of those - have had to admit this is a tremendous opportunity for a settled side. Win this, and they’ll go into the first fallow week with real, real momentum before a mid-tournament trip to Paris.

As we prepare for kick off, just a mention for Doddie Weir, who the rugby world sadly lost in November, an inspiration figure who is much, much missed. It is five years now since the Doddie Weir Cup was first awarded to the victor of this encounter, but as this is the first edition since his passing, there’ll be an extra layer of emotion to proceedings today. His widow is watching on, as I’m sure the great man is, somewhere, too.