Ireland and France collide in a mighty meeting of Six Nations contenders that may decide the destination of this year’s title.
The hosts are still on the hunt for a grand slam as they chase an unprecedented third successive competition crown. Simon Easterby’s side overcame a sticky spell against Wales in Cardiff to continue their perfect start, but will know that this is likely to be their toughest task yet, with France showing the full, frightening extent of their attacking ability in an 11-try thrashing of Italy last time out.
That resuscitated the campaign for Fabien Galthie and his team after a sloppy, stuttering showing in the defeat to England. The French head coach again makes a bold selection call on the bench but is bolstered by the availability of Romain Ntamack after suspension. Having come up short against their rivals in the last two years, an improved performance will be required to dash Ireland’s history-making dreams.
Follow all of the latest from the Aviva Stadium in our live blog below:
Ireland 13-25 France, 55 minutes
Ireland win the lineout, but France manage to steal. The ball is quickly passed out, and the forwards continue to drive it forward.
Penaud makes a run, followed by Ramos breaking through. France are awarded a penalty as they fail to gain an advantage.
They decide to go for the three points and Ramos secures the points again.
Jack Crowley has come on for Bundee Aki.
Ciara Fearn8 March 2025 15:44
TRY! Ireland 13-20 France, 50 minutes
Pure pace from Bielle Barrey as he secures his second try for France. Ramos easily secures the conversion.
The winger kicked into gear and broke off, his pace un-matched.
France are lethal when the game opens up.
Ciara Fearn8 March 2025 15:40
Ireland 13-15 France, 49 minutes
Ireland make a double substitution with Conan and Baird coming on.
Nash’s yellow card will stand, as there was some mitigating factors involved.
Ciara Fearn8 March 2025 15:37
TRY! Ireland 13-15 France, 46 minutes
What a response from France, two out the back off-loads and they get a try.
Calvin Nash is in the sin-bin after a tackle on Pierre-Louis Barrass.
The try is under review and the referee sticks with his on-field decision and the try stays. Ramos secures the conversion.
How will Ireland look to respond now France don’t have any backs to bring on?
Ciara Fearn8 March 2025 15:34
TRY! Ireland 13-8 France, 43 minutes
Ireland are back and returning to what we usually see.
They’re accurate as Dan Sheehan breaks off the back of the maul. Ireland secure the line-out, and the maul powers forward toward the try line. Sheehan breaks free from the back and gets the try.
Prendergast secures the conversion. What a cracking start to the second half!
Ciara Fearn8 March 2025 15:28
HT: Ireland 6-8 France
Phew. Frantic, fast, furious, physical, and frankly frightening at times – it’s living up to the hype so far. France are narrowly ahead, but shorn of Antoine Dupont, and now without any back cover – can their seven forward replacements make up for any shortcoming that may leave?
Back in a bit for much, much more.
Harry Latham-Coyle8 March 2025 15:15
Penalty! Ireland 6-8 France, 42 minutes
Prendergast gets the conversion!
A stunning kick to finish for half-time.
Ciara Fearn8 March 2025 15:10
Ireland 3-8 France, 40 minutes
Prendergast and Bielle-Biarrey exchange kicks, but then Penaud finds himself without a fullback cover.
Penaud is forced into touch, Ireland now have a huge scrum just 10 meters out.
Prendergast kicks high. Penalty advantage to Ireland now as France are offside.
He kicks for conversion. Three points would definitely go well for them at this stage.
Ciara Fearn8 March 2025 15:08