France Rout Ireland 36-14 in Six Nations Opener

By Michael Cantillon, Sports Journalist. France opened their Six Nations title defence with a 36-14 victory over Ireland at the Stade de France, running in five tries and keeping control for most of the contest. Louis Bielle-Biarrey crossed twice, with Matthieu Jalibert, Charles Ollivon and Theo Attissogbe also touching down. Full-back Thomas Ramos added four conversions and a penalty. Ireland’s replies came late in the second half from replacements Nick Timoney and Michael Milne, both converted by Sam Prendergast. Antoine Dupont returned to Test rugby and escaped a yellow card after a deliberate knock-on during Ireland’s fightback. The scoring sequence saw Bielle-Biarrey open the scoring on 13 minutes before Jalibert and Ollivon extended France’s lead to 22-0 at half-time, Ramos slotting a penalty in between. Early second-half combinations between Dupont and Ramos set up Bielle-Biarrey’s second try to make it 29-0, and Ireland finally responded when Timoney burst through from a Stuart McCloskey offload on 59 minutes and Milne added a close-range score three minutes later to narrow the gap to 29-14. Dupont was fortunate not to be sin-binned for a deliberate knock-on during that period. A potential late try for Ronan Kelleher was ruled out after TMO review for a knock-on by Caelan Doris, and France finished the game in stoppage time when Jalibert’s quick thinking created space for substitute Attissogbe to dot down. France’s discipline, strong attacking phases and clinical finishing put them in command for long stretches, while Ireland’s first-half errors and missed tackles left them with too much to do. Ireland head coach Andy Farrell admitted disappointment at the opening 40 minutes and the team’s lack of intensity, saying the result was unacceptable and must mean something for the squad. Captain Caelan Doris highlighted defensive issues and 19 missed tackles that allowed France to flourish, though he praised the impact of the bench. France defence coach Shaun Edwards lauded Bielle-Biarrey’s attitude and talent, calling him a joy to watch in attack. What’s next: Ireland travel back to the Aviva Stadium to face Italy in Round 2 on Saturday 14 February (2.10pm). France head to the Principality Stadium to meet Wales on Sunday 15 February (3.10pm).