Playing together for only the second time since the 2023 Rugby World Cup, halfbacks Antoine Dupont and Jalibert made light of the rain to continuously probe Ireland for weaknesses. “Despite the conditions, we managed to be accurate technically and passed the ball and worked it wide. The Irish began the day ranked fourth in the world, one place above France. “We’re very disappointed, through something I never thought I’d say about this Ireland team: a lack of intensity in the first half,” Farrell told British television network ITV. “It’s a very disappointing way to start the campaign.”France travel to Wales on February 15 in the second round of the tournament while Ireland host Italy next weekend.

Source: The Herald February 05, 2026 20:25 UTC