France beat Ireland 36-14 in Six Nations opener

France 36-14 Ireland, Stade de France

France began the 2026 Six Nations with a commanding 36-14 victory over Ireland at the Stade de France, producing a dominant first-half display that effectively decided the match before the break.

France take control early

Ireland created the first opportunity when Jamie Osborne earned a 50:22, but a knock-on immediately handed possession back. France punished the mistake in the 13th minute as Louis Bielle-Biarrey sprinted down the left wing to score, with Thomas Ramos converting.

The hosts struck again from close range when Matthieu Jalibert attacked the blindside to cross for the second try. Ramos then added a penalty before France produced another clinical move, Mickaël Guillard sending Charles Ollivon through to score.

France led 22-0 at half-time after a relentless opening period.

Bonus point secured after break

France tightened their grip soon after the restart. A fortunate bounce from a chip ahead allowed Bielle-Biarrey to grab his second try and secure the bonus point, Ramos converting to extend the lead to 29-0.

Ireland struggled to slow the pace as France controlled territory and possession through multiple attacking phases.

Ireland respond but France finish strong

Ireland finally got on the scoreboard when Nick Timoney finished a move created by Sam Prendergast and Stuart McCloskey. Replacement prop Michael Milne then forced his way over for a second converted try to reduce the deficit.

Any comeback hopes ended when Théo Attissogbe finished in the corner in the final minute following slick French handling. Ramos converted to complete the scoring at 36-14 as France sealed an impressive opening win.

Team line up:

France XV: 15 Thomas Ramos; 14 Theo Attissogbe; 13 Nicolas Depoortere, 12 Yoram Moefana; 11 Louis Bielle-Biarrey; 10 Matthieu Jalibert, 9 Antoine Dupont (captain); 1 Jean-Baptiste Gros, 2 Julien Marchand, 3 Dorian Aldegheri; 4 Charles Ollivon, 5 Mickael Guillard; 6 Francois Cros, 7 Oscar Jegou, 8 Anthony Jelonch.

Reserves: 16 Peato Mauvaka, 17 Rodrigue Neti, 18 Regis Montagne, 19 Hugo Auradou, 20 Emmanual Meafou, 21 Lenni Nouchi, 22 Baptiste Serin, 23 Kalvin Gourgues.

Ireland XV: 15 Jamie Osborne; 14 Tommy O’Brien; 13 Garry Ringrose, 12 Stuart McCloskey; 11 Jacob Stockdale; 10 Sam Prendergast, 9 Jamison Gibson-Park; 1 Jeremy Loughman, 2 Dan Sheehan, 3 Thomas Clarkson; 4 Joe McCarthy, 5 Tadhg Beirne; 6 Cian Prendergast, 7 Josh van der Flier, 8 Caelan Doris (captain).

Reserves: 16 Ronan Kelleher, 17 Michael Milne, 18 Finlay Bealham, 19 James Ryan, 20 Jack Conan, 21 Nick Timoney, 22 Craig Casey, 23 Jack Crowley.