Six Nations: Ireland move into pole position for title with victory in FranceEd Elliot, PAIreland ruthlessly capitalised on the absence of Antoine Dupont to launch their Six Nations title defence with a stunning 38-17 bonus-point demolition of 14-man France. Both sides came into a mouth-watering tournament curtain-raiser in Marseille on the back of agonising World Cup quarter-finals exits. Scores from Damian Penaud and Paul Gabrillagues and seven points from the boot of Thomas Ramos gave the pre-tournament favourites hope. But Ireland, aided by 13 points from Jack Crowley on his first Six Nations start, deservedly romped to another statement victory of the Andy Farrell era. Ireland once more earned breathing space 18 minutes from time when Sheehan peeled off a rolling maul to finish his own line-out.

Source: Irish Independent February 02, 2024 21:59 UTC