Ireland in a class of their own against France

Imperious Ireland in a class of their own… they were spectacular against France and deserved their win – the only debate was whether it was the greatest game in Six Nations history

• Ireland beat France 32-19 in what could be considered the greatest game ever
• The Irish proved they are on top of the world and are tournament favourites
• Hugo Keenan and Caelan Doris delivered the most eye-catching performances

Sunday, 6am, and most of Dublin is still in bed. The airport taxi pulls up and the driver is unusually perky for the time of day. ‘Ah, you came to see how rugby’s played, did ya?’

This is how it feels to be on top of the sporting world. Full of beans from the night before, revelling in a magnificent victory over France.

Was it the greatest Six Nations game in history? That was the only debate. Nobody was questioning whether Ireland deserved their result. Andy Farrell’s team played with cohesion, shape, precision and spectacular predictability.

They dismantled France by numbers, camping in the opposition 22, twisting and squeezing their beastly opponents until they toppled like a giant beanstalk.

This Ireland side has been built in Johnny Sexton’s image but it was Hugo Keenan and Caelan Doris who delivered the most eye-catching performances in green. They played the game with a ruthless and error-free efficiency. Their tactical system operated like clockwork, even after Sexton limped off early, allowing the giant French pack just one scrum put-in all game.

Ireland showed why they are ranked as the number one side in world rugby against France

Hugo Keenan was among those that shone as the Six Nations favourites put on a show

The first half was played with breathless intensity. Keenan, James Lowe and Andrew Porter scored for the hosts but the day’s outstanding try came from the opposition. Damian Penaud set off on a cavalier run from inside his own 22, helter-skeltering his way past defenders to score after an interchange of passes down the opposite end of the pitch.

Antoine Dupont played like a baby bull but Ireland’s tactical superiority overwhelmed any individual brilliance.

France will have better days but the victory consolidated Ireland’s place as the world’s No 1 team, shifting the odds slightly a few months out from the World Cup.

‘It’s about embracing the fact that there’s a bit of a bigger target on your back,’ said Farrell. ‘And that can only be good for us because the more different type of situations that we can put ourselves in, especially when the opposition is going to be a step above normality, is great for us to test ourselves and see whether we can deal with that type of pressure.

‘There’s all sorts that’s been thrown into the pot today, that makes the pot look special.’ With Italy, Scotland and England to come, Ireland are favourites for the Grand Slam. Yet this victory took its toll. 

Only 10 of Ireland’s matchday 23 were fit enough to carry out their commercial duties after the final whistle. Sexton and Tadhg Beirne could join Tadhg Furlong, Jamison Gibson-Park, Robbie Henshaw and Dan Sheehan on the injury list.

‘There are some bruised and battered bodies,’ said Farrell. ‘It was end to end, there was some phenomenal stuff at times. People say, “Why is there a fallow week in Test rugby?” You can see the reason why after that.’

Yet Ireland’s reserves stepped in seamlessly. Craig Casey and Ross Byrne took over the half-back duties, dominating the field position with just as much authority as Sexton and Conor Murray. The depth is building.

James Lowe also scored for Ireland as France lost for the first time in almost two years 

In an act of Gallic defiance, France refused to answer questions in English after the match, as Fabien Galthie came to terms with the end of their 14-match winning run.

They remain the bookies’ favourites to win their home World Cup but this defeat may ease some of the pressure.

‘It’s almost two years since we lost,’ said Galthie. ‘It is hard to take.

‘The series of wins are there, now it is necessary to learn how to take a defeat. Defeat is not really a friend, but we will have to spend the day with her. We came to win the match but our kicking game was a bit off and we lacked energy.’

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