France began their Six Nations title defence in commanding fashion, overpowering Ireland to secure a bonus-point win at a lively Stade de France.
Led by returning captain Antoine Dupont, Les Bleus surged to a 22-0 half-time advantage after a dominant opening period that included tries from Louis Bielle-Biarrey, Matthieu Jalibert and Charles Ollivon, although France’s opening score came amid debate over a possible forward pass.
Bielle-Biarrey added his second try shortly after the break to seal the bonus point, putting France in position to potentially eclipse last year’s high-scoring win over Ireland in Dublin.
Ireland responded with late tries from replacements Nick Timoney and Michael Milne, but Theo Attissogbe’s late score ensured France finished strongly, leaving Ireland to regroup ahead of their next clash against Italy while France prepare to face Wales.
