France player ratings vs Ireland as the men in blue romped to a bonus-point win despite losing Antoine Dupont.
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France sent a statement to the rugby world with a ruthless 34-point blitz in Dublin, crushing Ireland’s Grand Slam dreams and taking charge of the Six Nations title race.
Even without talismanic captain Antoine Dupont, who limped off after 30 minutes, Les Bleus ran riot in the second half, scoring three unanswered tries to power two points clear at the top.
Tournament top scorer Louis Bielle-Biarrey bagged a brace, while Paul Boudehent, Oscar Jegou, and Damian Penaud all crossed in a scintillating bonus-point victory—revenge for last year’s defeat in Marseille.
Ireland had led 13-8 early in the second half thanks to a Dan Sheehan try, but with Joe McCarthy and Calvin Nash both spending time in the sin bin, France turned on the style and blew them away.
With one game left, Fabien Galthié’s side are now in pole position to reclaim the Six Nations crown, hosting Scotland in their final fixture.
For Ireland, their title hopes are hanging by a thread. They must beat Italy in Rome and pray for a miracle elsewhere to secure an unprecedented third consecutive championship.
Meanwhile, England—currently third—can leapfrog Ireland with a win over Italy at Twickenham on Sunday (15:00 GMT).
This crushing defeat was Ireland’s first home loss in the Six Nations since 2021—coincidentally, the last time France left Dublin victorious.
Scroll down for Ireland player ratings vs France.
Ireland: 27
- Tries: Dan Sheehan (42'), Cian Healy (77'), Jack Conan (80')
- Cons: Sam Prendergast (43', 77',80')
- Pens: Sam Prendergast (34', 42')
France: 42
- Tries: Louis Bielle-Biarrey (20', 49'), Paul Boudehent (46'), Oscar Jegou (58'), Damian Penaud (74')
- Cons: Thomas Ramos (46', 50', 59', 74')
- Pens: Thomas Ramos (35', 55', 67')
FRANCE PLAYER RATINGS VS IRELAND:
1. Jean-Baptiste Gros - 7
One of five pack changes after 50 minutes, making 11 tackles.
2. Peato Mauvaka - 8
Should be in the conversation for the world's best hooker with another fine display.
3. Uini Atonio - 6
The big man just keeps rumbling on. Solid in his 48 minutes.
4. Thibaud Flament - 8
One silly penalty aside, the Toulouse lock was hugely influential, only being replaced with five minutes remaining.
5. Mickaël Guillard - 7
Retained his starting berth on form and did not disappoint. Unlucky not to be rewarded more at the breakdown before making way for the second wave.
6. François Cros - 6
France's quietest forward—not poor, just not as sublime as others. Copped a late yellow for a ruck infringement near his own line.
7. Paul Boudehent - 7
Not a traditional openside, but he makes up for it with his work rate on and off the ball. Several Irish carriers felt his impact on defence. Had to play to the end following Barassi's injury.
8. Grégory Alldritt - 7
Briefly captained the side following the loss of Dupont. Made the second-most tackles on the day despite only playing 48 minutes.
9. Antoine Dupont (c) - 6
Much was made of the talisman's head-to-head with his Irish counterpart. However, after a typically strong start, a knee injury ended things for the maestro just before the half-hour mark.
10. Romain Ntamack - 7
Back from suspension, and despite a nervy start, he had a largely easy ride as the French pack set about grinding down Ireland. Always manages to pick the right pass.
11. Louis Bielle-Biarrey - 10
There are simply no more superlatives to describe the young flyer. Yet another brace taken easily, which any other winger would have had to work much harder for.
12. Yoram Moefana - 7
Double-digit tackles for the centre, who had to cover 1.5 positions following Barassi's departure.
13. Pierre-Louis Barassi - 6
Deserved to retain his place despite Fickou's return from injury. Unfortunately, his own injury early in the second half led to a French lock being deployed at 13, which could have been catastrophic.
14. Damian Penaud - 7
Struggled to get into the game in the first half, but after the break, usual service resumed as he worked in tandem with his fellow winger to cause carnage behind enemy lines.
15. Thomas Ramos - 8
Mr. Reliable. A lot tighter than he has been throughout this tournament, though standards did not drop. A missed conversion was his only real error.
Replacements
16. Julien Marchand - 7
17. Cyril Baille - 7
18. Dorian Aldegheri - 6
19. Emmanuel Meafou - 8
20. Hugo Aradou - N/A
Only on for the closing minutes.
21. Oscar Jegou - 7
Forced to play 13 for over half an hour. Defensive positioning was naturally shaky, but he did not shirk his duties and was rewarded with a try.
22. Anthony Jelonch - 7
23. Maxime Lucu - 8
Allayed any fears over losing Dupont with a level head and excellent service.
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