Dominant France crush Ireland's Grand Slam hopes with 42-27 victory

France delivered a stunning performance in Dublin, overpowering Ireland 42-27 to end the hosts' hopes of securing a Grand Slam in the Six Nations.

The visitors combined defensive resilience with clinical finishing to claim a commanding victory, proving their championship credentials in a match filled with intensity, skill, and high drama.

Ireland suffered an early setback when key winger James Lowe was ruled out just before kickoff. Despite this, the home side started with energy, pinning France deep inside their territory.

The first real opportunity came in the fifth minute when Caelan Doris attempted to power over from close range, only to be denied by a crucial intervention from Grégory Alldritt.

Ireland continued to press, and their efforts earned a penalty. Sam Prendergast stepped up for his first shot at goal, but his attempt struck the upright, leaving the game scoreless.

France, under constant pressure in the opening stages, showed their defensive grit. Their ability to absorb repeated Irish attacks set the tone for what would be a clinical counterattacking display. In the 13th minute, France thought they had opened the scoring with an Antoine Dupont breakaway try, but it was disallowed due to a knock-on earlier in the buildup.

As halftime approached, the game shifted. A dangerous break from Louis Bielle-Biarrey deep into the Irish 22 forced a cynical infringement from Joe McCarthy, resulting in a yellow card.

France immediately capitalized on their numerical advantage, with Bielle-Biarrey finishing off a well-executed lineout play for the first try of the match. Ramos missed the conversion, but France led 5-0.

Ireland responded with a penalty from Prendergast after a late tackle, narrowing the gap to 5-3. However, moments later, Andrew Porter was penalized for obstruction, allowing Ramos to restore France’s five-point lead with a penalty of his own.

Just before the break, Prendergast showcased his kicking ability with a long-range effort, making it 8-6 at halftime. History, however, was against Ireland, as they had not defeated France in Dublin after trailing at halftime since 1928.

Ireland started the second half perfectly, with Dan Sheehan peeling off a rolling maul to power over for a try, becoming the highest try-scoring forward in Six Nations history. Prendergast’s conversion put Ireland ahead 13-8.

However, their lead was short-lived. A yellow card to Calvin Nash for a head-on-head collision forced France to adjust their backline, with Oscar Jegou stepping in at center. Despite the setback, France produced a moment of brilliance.

A series of slick offloads led to Paul Boudehent finishing a stunning team move. Ramos converted, putting France back in front at 15-13.

Minutes later, France extended their lead further. Bielle-Biarrey launched a dazzling counterattack, chipping infield before winning the race to his own kick and scoring under the posts. Ramos added the extras, making it 22-13.

Ireland struggled to contain the relentless French attack, and Ramos soon slotted another penalty, stretching the lead to 25-13. With Nash still in the sin bin, Jegou powered over for his first international try, securing the bonus point and putting France in full control at 32-13.

Despite the deficit, Ireland refused to capitulate. Veteran prop Cian Healy, playing his final home match, crashed over for a try, bringing the score to 32-20. Moments later, Jack Conan marked his 50th Test appearance with a try of his own, giving Ireland a glimmer of hope at 32-27.

France, however, ensured there would be no late comeback. A misplaced Irish pass was intercepted inside their own 5m line, leading to a breakaway score finished off by Damian Penaud. Ramos converted, sealing a comprehensive 42-27 victory.