Ireland vs France live: Conor Murray and Jonathan Sexton combine to seal 19-9 victory over Les Bleus
Follow the latest from the Six Nations clash at the Aviva Stadium
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Ireland secured back-to-back victories in this year's Six Nations after beating France 19-9 at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin, condemning France to their second loss of the championship and ending their title hopes in the process. Re-live the action here.
- Ireland beat France 19-9
- Conor Murray try ensures Ireland's Six Nations title hopes remain alive
- 14 points from Jonathan Sexton announces his return from injury in style
- France suffer second defeat in three matches to end their hopes
- Camille Lopez kicks three penalties for the French
- Teams:
- Ireland: R Kearney; K Earls, G Ringrose, R Henshaw, S Zebo; J Sexton, C Murray; J McGrath, R Best, T Furlong, D Ryan, D Toner, CJ Stander, S O'Brien, J Healsip. Replacements: N Scannell, C Healy, J Ryan, I Henderson, P O'Mahony, K Marmion, P Jackson, A Trimble.
- France: S Spedding; Y Huget, R Lamerat, G Fickou, N Nakaitaci; C Lopez, B Serin; C Baille, G Guirado, R Slimani, S Vahaamahina, Y Maestri, B Le Roux, K Gourdon, L Picamoles. Replacements: C Tolofua, U Atonio, X Chiocci, J Le Devedec, C Ollivon, M Machenaud, H Chavancy, D Camara.
Follow the live action below...
Please allow a moment for the blog to load...
Preview...
Both Ireland and France lost their opening games of the championship as the Irish suffered a narrow 27-22 loss to Scotland, while France suffered an agonising 19-16 defeat by England at Twickenham. However they bounced back two weeks ago, with Ireland crushing Italy 63-10 in Rome and France beating Scotland 22-16 in Paris.
Today’s match is Ireland’s first home game in this year’s Six Nations, and they go into the game with renewed hopes of winning back the title given that England still need to cross the Irish Sea on the final weekend of the tournament.
What time does it start...
Ireland vs France kicks off at 16:50.
Where can I watch it...
The match will be shown live on ITV from 16:15. You can also follow it with The Independent’s live blog here.
It’s a big game for...
Jonathan Sexton: The fly-half missed the first two rounds of the championship through injury, but he’s been given the green light to return for the crunch match in Dublin. Given that Paddy Jackson had played very well in his absence, it’s a big call from Joe Schmidt, but Sexton can go a long way to proving why he is the choice No 10 for the British and Irish Lions this summer.
Player to look out for...
Gael Fickou: The inside centre has been one of the star players of the tournament so far, and after getting his name on the scoresheet against Scotland, he is quickly proving the player that he was billed to become when he broke onto the scene five years ago. He’ll give Robbie Henshaw and Garry Ringrose plenty of problems in defence.
Past three meetings...
France 10 Ireland 9, Six Nations, February 2016.
Ireland 24 France 9, 2015 Rugby World Cup, October 2015.
Ireland 18 France 11, Six Nations, February 2015.
Form...
Ireland: WLWLWW
France: WLLLWW
Odds...
Ireland to win: 6/25
France to win: 29/10
Draw: 1/2 odds
(Odds provided by 888 Sport)
47 mins: The rain is falling heavily in Dublin now and it makes Lopez's low restart tricky for Toner to deal with, with the ball being flung into touch as a result. France attack for the first time in ages, and they're into Irish territory thanks to a neat run from Spedding.
48 mins: Earls rushes out of the line and Nakaitaci spots it, but his pass over the top to the unmarked Fickou goes forwards and the chance goes begging.
50 mins: Oh take a bow Jonathan Sexton. The fly-half has the advantage and decides to fire off a drop-goal from all of 40m that clears the posts and then some! That stretches the lead to 13-6.
51 mins: Guy Noves decides he needs to change something, as Baille is replaced by Atonio and Slimani heads off for the returning Eddy Ben Aroud. Vahaamahina is also off, with Julian Le Devedec on in the second row, while Rob Kearneyt has had to go off with a knock so Andrew Trimble comes on.
52 mins: Spedding drops another high ball and he's really struggling in the conditions. Ireland can't take advantage as the loose ball is knocked forwards by Ringrose, but they'll have the scrum for the knock-on anyway.
54 mins: Penalty given to Ireland as Gourdon breaks his bind from the scrum, and Sexton will kick for goal again.
59 mins: Brilliant from Sexton and he feigns the high kick and instead passes to Zebo, with the ball then being offloaded to Heaslip, Murray and Zebo again before Tooner comes charging through. Sexton's down though and out of the game after taking a hit off the pass, so Ireland are attacking without their commander in chief. They rumble forwards to the 5m line, but without Sexton they're having to keep it very tight. Now Sexton is back, but McGrath drops the ball and Spedding breaks! He chips over Trimble, who hits Spedding legally, and Ireland lose the ball at the breakdown! France are on the 22, but Huget drops it and a breathtaking period ends.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments